Durrant Pate/Contributor

A management shake-up has taken place at leading hotel food and consumer durables distributor, Caribbean Producers Jamaica (CPJ).

The shake-up sees the departure of Nicholas Hospedales, who has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer, effective September 30, 2025. He will return to Trinidad & Tobago to lead a strategic special project and oversee the CPJ’s Warehouse and Distribution Hub. 

During his tenure, Hospedales provided critical leadership in the successful implementation of the Company’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, significantly improving operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making. The board extends its gratitude for his invaluable contributions and dedicated service. 

In the meantime, Juan Baez has been appointed Interim CEO of CPJ, effective September 30, 2025. He currently serves as Head of Route to Market Operations for the Seprod Group, which is CPJ’s parent company. 

With over 30 years of experience in commercial management and sales operations across the Caribbean, Baez brings strong leadership, deep industry knowledge, and a proven track record in shaping commercial strategy, market expansion, and business development. The Board is confident in his ability to guide the company through this transitional period and advance its strategic objectives. 

Additionally, CPJ advises that the position of General Manager has been made redundant as part of an internal restructuring initiative. Consequently, Charles D’Agostino is no longer with the company. The management is expressing its gratitude to D’Agostino for his service and extends best wishes for his future endeavours.