( TOP L - R ) AZAN, LEE CHIN, STEWART AND CHEN
( BOTTOM L - R ) CHIN, MATALON, ORANE AND ISSA
Jamaica has established a long tradition of outstanding leadership in the private sector which continues to the present. The Gleaner commissioned pollster Bill Johnson to determine who are the current crop of leaders held most high in the public esteem. Businessman Richard Azan took the top slot, followed closely by Michael Lee Chin and Gordon 'Butch' Stewart. Following are the poll results. Who are some of the business leaders in Jamaica who you admire most? Richard Azan 10%; Michael Lee Chin 9%; Gordon 'Butch' Stewart 9%; Wayne Chen 6%; Lascelles Chin 5%; Matalons 3%; Douglas Orane 2%; John Issa 1%. The poll was conducted on March 4 and 5 across the country's 14 parishes. The sample size was 1,008. Fifty two per cent of sample were males, 48 per cent females and 49 per cent were below the age of 35.
Richard Azan
"It's flattering to know," was Richard Azan's spontaneous response to the news from Wednesday Business that he was among the chosen top most admired business person in Jamaica.
This entrepreneur had an early involvement in retailing, and he is the chief executive officer of Ralaica Trading Company on East Street in central Kingston. Since this company wholesales from household products to clothing, shoes and toys, one can understand why Mr. Azan comes in contact with retailers spread across the island.
"I'm happy that the people think of me that way," he told Wednesday Business. "I've been working all my life and I'm happy that I'm recognised island-wide."
Michael Lee Chin
Michael Lee Chin is a man on a mission.
The Jamaican Canadian billionaire is chairman of Canada-based financial company AIC Group. His acquisition of the majority interest in National Commercial Bank has provided him with a platform for a series of other acquisitions across the island.
"We will continue to go where we are comfortable and partner with people with whom we are comfortable," he says of the future.
Gordon 'Butch' Stewart
"I am very honoured and I think that everybody appreciates being called a leader. So thank you very much," Mr. Stewart said. Mr. Stewart explains his zest for life as he said, "Honestly, I've been having a ball all my life."
Today, as Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, The Jamaica Observer and the over twenty other companies that fall under the Appliance Traders empire, Butch Stewart sits at the pinnacle of one of the largest private sector conglomerates in the Caribbean.
"Sandals, ATL and myself will always be there for Jamaica. The country is at a critical cross-roads. We need to in a rapid way go back to old time days where you export or die. You can't be borrowing your way out of problems.
Wayne Chen
Wayne Chen, the chief executive officer of Super Plus Food Stores, is the man behind a massive expansion in the local supermarket business in Jamaica.
Super Plus is a large supermarket chain with at least 30 outlets across the island.
"I'm deeply honoured, but I can't take that honour for myself," said the hardworking young entrepreneur. He said his recognition was the result of the work of "the 2,000 persons which make up the organisation and the faithful customers."
Lascelles Chin
Lasco's Chairman CEO Lascelles Chin now heads one of the leading manufacturers and distributors of pharmaceuticals, food and drink in Jamaica. The corporate entity provides hundreds of products to Jamaica, the Caribbean, Latin America, North America and England.
But Mr. Chin hasn't rested on his accomplishments. Mr. Chin recently announced that his company will be going to list on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, where the investing public can share in the future of Lasco.
John Joseph Issa
Chairman of the Super Clubs Super-Inclusive resorts chain and vice-chairman of the Gleaner Company, Mr. Issa is credited with introducing the all-inclusive concept into Jamaica some thirty years ago. "It's a surprise, but I haven't been in the news for some time. It's gratifying to see that one's work and efforts are noticed and appreciated by a reasonable number of your fellow citizens," he told Wednesday Business.
He introduced the all-inclusive concept during the tourism slump in the 1970s when many hotels were struggling to break even. "We had to create something different [to] attract new visitors."
Matalon family
Mr. Joseph M. Matalon, the chairman and chief executive officer of the ICD Group said, "I am extremely flattered by the results of the poll."
Once a major industrial empire, the ICD Group has now been restructured and reoriented."The Matalon family is grateful to the country and people of Jamaica for the opportunities that have fostered the successes we have had in business over the years, and we are committed to working with and in Jamaica to help make the country reach its potential."
Douglas Orane
Douglas Orane is the chairman and CEO of GraceKennedy (GK), which has been a household name in Jamaica for generations.
"The results of the poll are a reflection of the relationship that GraceKennedy Limited has developed with our customers, business associates and the wider Jamaican public over the past four decades. It is a tribute to the dedication and hard work of our GraceKennedy people, and I accept this vote of confidence on their behalf."
Mr. Orane notes, "Since the founding of the company 84 years ago, GraceKennedy has never left Jamaica, and we have been one of the companies that has kept our headquarters in downtown Kingston. This is because we believe in Jamaica, and our ability as Jamaicans to find solutions to the challenges we face.
