Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Manpower & Maintenance Services Limited Group (MMS) M. Audrey Stewart-Hinchcliffe, has announced the appointment of Don A. Gittens as of tomorrow (March 27), as the new chief executive officer (CEO) of the Group.

Gittens, “a seasoned management professional”, who comes to the post from JAMPRO where he served for over six years as manager, Logistics, Energy, Infrastructure and Emerging Sectors, succeeds Stewart-Hinchcliffe, who has retired from the CEO’s position that she occupied for close to 33 years.  

A trained project manager and mediator, Gittens holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel Management from the University of the West Indies and a Masters in Telecommunications from the State University of New York: Institute of Technology. He is also certified in Strategic Investment Promotion, Public Speaking and Sales Techniques.

Gittens brings to MMS over 20 years’ experience in the areas of business development, strategic planning, international investment and trade negotiations, policy development, strategic marketing, client relationship management, consultative and technology sales, as well as financial analysis. He has represented Jamaica at the highest level, including as a team member for the United Nation’s project on the Development of Financial Investment for Sustainable Infrastructure Projects towards the Sustainable Development Goals. A past president of the Kiwanis Club of Downtown Kingston, he was also a distinguished Lieutenant Governor in the Kiwanis International movement.

In addition to JAMPRO, he held management positions at CLICO Holdings (Barbados) Ltd. where he was the Information Systems Manager, and at Cable & Wireless Jamaica (LIME & C&W Business) where he served as Regional Enterprise Account Manager / BPO Executive Manager. He was also a Training Officer/ Consultant at the Barbados National Productivity Council, where organising and conducting seminars and workshops and marketing and promoting general seminars were among his many responsibilities.

“We are pleased and excited to welcome Mr. Gittens to our team,” said Stewart-Hinchcliffe, the outgoing CEO.

“The MMS Group has an extensive and varied portfolio with interests ranging from janitorial to sales and distribution, business services and training. Going forward, Manpower needs a leader who can continue to bring vision and strategic thinking to its operations, always mindful of the ever-changing marketplace and the accompanying challenges. We believe that someone with his qualifications, experience, and accomplishments, is equal to the task.”

The new appointment is in keeping with the Manpower Group’s restructuring exercises, succession planning, and the 20-year growth plan agreed by the Board of Directors.

Commenting on his new position, Gittens said: “I am honoured to continue the tremendous legacy that Mrs. Stewart-Hinchcliffe has established and eagerly anticipate my tenure at the Manpower Group. I have watched the organisation’s growth over the years and admired its leadership and the strong reputation it has developed for service and efficiency in its various areas of endeavour. I am extremely excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and looking forward to contributing to the continued development of the entire Group.”

Founded by Stewart-Hinchcliffe, the MMS Group, which started as a janitorial service, has evolved into a close to $2-billion enterprise with some five entities including, Manpower & Maintenance Services Limited the janitorial arm, the Institute for Workforce Education & Development, Manpower & Maintenance Business Services Ltd, and Manpower & Maintenance Services Foundation which gives back to the community through education and sports.

Stewart-Hinchcliffe also established the M’Power Women’s Group which seeks to uplift women and girls through education and employment.

With some 3,000 employees and a portfolio of approximately 300 clients, the Group offers among its many services pest control, landscaping and grounds maintenance, building management and disaster recovery. The MMS Group also operates a sales and distribution company that sells chemicals, washroom, cleaning, and other related consumer supplies through The Clean Store.  

A winner of numerous awards, the Group recently received the RJRGLEANER Communications Group Platinum Award for Frontline Workers in Jamaica for “their commitment to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” as well as the Global Services Association of Jamaica’s Excellence in Service Award for 2020.

Stewart-Hinchcliffe, who will continue to serve as chairman of the MMS Group of Companies, is also the author of the books, Taking Care: A Manual For Medical Office Administrators; The Will to Overcome, Reflections on Circumstance, Vision, Service and Chapters of Your Life, Wise Words for Women on a Life-Changing Journey – the proceeds from which are being donated to the Manpower Foundation.