Lead principal of Cornerstone, Paul Simpson is celebrating his 40th birthday today (December 23).

Simpson, now married and recently a father, has carved out a reputation as one of the most dynamic investors on the Jamaican landscape.

He began his banking career in December 2007 at 24, after finishing his MBA.

In December 2009, he resigned from Guardian Asset Management and became the first employee of Proven. Nine months later, Proven bought Guardian Asset Management. That proved to be his first major private equity deal.

Two years later, in 2011, he was instrumental in the first ever US dollar listing on the JSE.

In 2016, Simpson acquired Myers Fletcher Trust & Merchant Bank. He was just 34. It was bought for US$3.3 million and now has a valuation of US$30 million in shareholder equity.

Two years later, he went on to buy Barita in August 2018. At the time it was valued at J$2.8 billion and now enjoys a valuation of J$100 billion. Today Barita is the largest shareholder in Proven.

In October 2013, he formed the investment vehicle Cornerstone, ponying up US$13.7 million. Today its combined shared capital is half a billion US dollars.

It has been a remarkable career for a young man who has just turned 40.

So what is his investment philosophy?

Speaking with Our Today on his birthday, Simpson said: “I believe in buying quality assets and holding them for the long term. My investment horizon is not my age, I build for those who will come after me.

“It is important to invest in young entrepreneurs. One only has to look at how great companies like Apple and Microsoft got their start.

“I believe in investing in people.”

So, what does the next 10 years hold in store for Paul Simpson? After all, he will still be a young business leader at 50.

“Giving the Group and Jamaica a greater presence offshore and creating deep impact and change throughout various communities as a great corporate citizen,” said Simpson.