Corporate movements – Jamaica Observer

GUARDIAN Holdings Limited has named Dominic Rampersad as its next chairman, placing a seasoned finance and operations executive at the helm as the regional insurance group pushes ahead with further growth across its Caribbean markets.

Rampersad will assume the chairmanship on October 1, succeeding Robert Almeida whose term ends on September 30.

The appointment gives Rampersad a larger leadership role within the wider Guardian Group structure. He has served as a director of Guardian Holdings since April 2023 and has sat on the boards of several companies across the group, providing continuity as he takes on this new responsibility.

Rampersad brings more than three decades of experience across finance, strategy, operations, technology and business development.

He spent much of his career at Phoenix Park Gas Processors Limited, where he rose through several finance and business development roles before being appointed president in 2014.

During his tenure he led expansion projects, helped grow the company’s regional footprint, and oversaw initiatives aimed at improving operating efficiency and strengthening the business.

His appointment comes as Guardian continues to reposition itself for growth across an increasingly competitive regional insurance market.

In its 2025 annual report Guardian said competitive intensity had increased across several of its markets, with industry consolidation expected to affect pricing, distribution partnerships, and customer retention. The group also pointed to tighter credit conditions, inflationary pressure in claims-related areas, and continued climate-related risks.

Against that backdrop, Guardian has been focusing on strengthening core earnings, modernising its operating platform, and improving capital allocation.

The group said it was also investing in technology, data and analytics, while simplifying processes and improving operational efficiency across the business.

Those efforts came alongside a sharp improvement in earnings.

Profit attributable to owners of Guardian Holdings increased to TT$1.53 billion in 2025 from TT$850 million a year earlier, while earnings per share rose to TT$6.61 from TT$3.66.

The board also approved total dividends of 91 cents per share for 2025, up from 80 cents the previous year.

Guardian said Rampersad’s existing experience on the board provides continuity as he moves into the chairmanship.

“It is a privilege to take on this role at an organisation with Guardian Holdings Limited’s history and standing in our region,” Rampersad said.

“My time on the board has given me a clear appreciation of the strength of this group, the depth of its people, and the trust our customers place in us. I look forward to working with my fellow directors and the management team to build on the foundation Robert and those before him have laid.”

Almeida said Rampersad brings the experience and judgement needed to take the organisation forward.

“Guardian Holdings Limited has been shaped by leaders who understood both the privilege and the responsibility of stewardship,” Almeida said.

“It has been an honour to serve. I am confident that in Dominic the board has found a chairman with the experience and judgement to carry this organisation forward, and I wish him and the group every success.”

Guardian Holdings is the parent company of Guardian Group, which operates across Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, the eastern and northern Caribbean and the Dutch Caribbean. Its Jamaican operations include Guardian Life Limited and Guardian General Insurance Jamaica Limited.

 

Berger turns to operations specialist for new GM

 

Berger Paints Jamaica Limited has installed a new general manager as the company works to rebuild market share and sustain a recovery in earnings.

Osville Linton Johnson assumed the role on August 17, replacing Dwaine Williams who resigned effective July 23. Nicholas MacLean, managing director for coatings, oversaw the business in the interim.

Johnson brings more than 28 years of executive leadership experience across the Caribbean, with a background in operational transformation, supply chain optimisation, digital transformation, and business growth.

His appointment comes as Berger sharpens its focus on sales, operations and the supply chain.

In its half-year results the company said priorities for the second half include recovering market share; growing across channels; and improving product quality, supply chain resilience and customer experience. It also pointed to continued investment in people, systems and processes.

The leadership change also comes against a stronger financial performance.

Revenue for the six months ended June rose 10.8 per cent to $1.71 billion from $1.55 billion a year earlier, while profit before tax climbed to $55.3 million from $7.6 million. Net profit increased to $39.3 million from $4.8 million.

For the second quarter alone, revenue increased 5.8 per cent to $821.3 million while profit before tax moved to $17.6 million from a loss of $9.4 million a year earlier.

Berger attributed the improvement to stronger sales momentum; better market execution; and continued focus on customer service, supply reliability and channel support.

The rebound follows a difficult 2025 when the company faced supply chain disruptions, higher logistics costs, and other operational pressures.

Berger has also been investing in its Jamaican manufacturing operation and pursuing greater regional sales through parent company ANSA McAL’s Caribbean network.

Johnson’s background closely matches several of the areas now being prioritised by the company, particularly supply chain performance, productivity and digital transformation.