Derrimon Trading Company Limited (DTL) has named Ian C Kelly as its new chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2025.

Kelly has been with Derrimon since 2011 and brings a wealth of experience and leadership to this role. He previously served in pivotal positions such as group chief financial officer, executive director, divisional director at Sampars, corporate planner, and finance director.

According to the company, the leadership change reflects Derrimon’s commitment to strong corporate governance and its strategic decision to separate the chairman and CEO roles. As such, Kelly’s promotion marks an important milestone in the company’s journey as Derrick Cotterell, the founder who led Derrimon for 26 years, remains in the position of executive chairman.

“Ian has been a cornerstone of Derrimon’s success, and I am confident in his ability to steer the company to even greater heights,” Cotterell, the outgoing CEO, said.

“In my role as executive chairman, I will focus on strategic oversight and governance to ensure Derrimon’s continued success,” he added.

Kelly, as a seasoned leader and integral member of Derrimon’s executive team, has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and success. Over the years, his notable achievements include:

• Leading Derrimon’s initial public offering (IPO) in 2013, a significant milestone in the company’s history.
• Spearheading multiple mergers and acquisitions, including the acquisition of Spicy Hill, Arosa, Caribbean Flavours and Fragrances, Woodcats, and the international purchase of Food Savers in New York, which was recently rebranded as Sampars New York.
• Securing funding for transformative projects, including the $4.076 billion additional public offering (APO) in 2021, enabling Derrimon to expand its operations and solidify its market leadership.

Speaking on his new role, Kelly expressed gratitude and optimism, noting “I am deeply honoured to accept this role and to continue building on the incredible foundation laid by Mr Cotterell. His stewardship over the last 26 years has been instrumental in shaping Derrimon into the industry leader it is today. I look forward to leading the team as we embark on this exciting new chapter.”

GraceKennedy appoints divisional CFOs for GKFG and GK Foods

GraceKennedy Limited (GK) has announced the appointment of divisional chief financial officers (CFO) for GraceKennedy Financial Group (GKFG) and – GraceKennedy Foods (GK Foods).

The group appointed Debra Dodd in the role of divisional CFO for GKFG and Kerry-Ann Lincoln for GK Foods with effect from January 1, 2025. Both Dodd and Lincoln are tasked with providing key support to strengthen financial management and business outcomes, and maintain robust internal controls.

Andrew Messado, group CFO, GKL, commenting on the announcements, said, “These appointments underscore our focus on cultivating strong leadership and ensuring robust succession planning across the Group. Debra and Kerry-Ann bring extensive experience and proven expertise, along with strategic and operational capabilities, to their new roles. We are confident that their leadership will strengthen the group’s performance, contributing meaningfully to our continued growth and long-term goals.”

Dodd has a career in finance that spans over 20 years, including the last 12 years at GK in various roles. She started out as the senior audit manager, then transitioned to chief audit executive, before her latest role as divisional CFO at GK Foods. A chartered accountant and certified Fraud Examiner, Dodd holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Accounting & Public Administration and Master of Science in Business Administration (Finance emphasis).

Lincoln, likewise, has over 20 years’ experience in finance, joining GK in 2014 as senior accounting manager. Before her recent appointment, she also held the roles of financial controller (Banking & Investments—GKFG), group comptroller, and most recently on assignment as the chief financial officer— Grace Foods UK Limited. Lincoln is a chartered accountant with a BSc in Accounting & Economics.