Kirk Benjamin appointed CEO of Jamaica Customs Agency

The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) has a new boss today.

He is Kirk Benjamin, and his appointment as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) takes effect today, September 1. Benjamin had been acting as since April, in what the JCA said then followed a reference from the Office of the Services Commission and was “pending the completion of the recruitment process.”

He previously served as Senior Director for Central Operations and succeeds Velma Ricketts Walker, who demitted office in April after serving for a decade. The JCA describes Benjamin as “a distinguished Customs and Tax Administration expert with over 25 years’ experience in Customs modernisation, revenue enhancement, and international trade policy development.”

He holds a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management, postgraduate diplomas in Public Sector Management and Tax Audit & Revenue Administration, and a Diploma in Business Administration. 

The JCA credits Benjamin with the modernisation of the Customs environment in Jamaica and improvements in its business model. He was also instrumental in shaping tax policy and legislative reform.

Salvador Hierrezuelo Digicel’s new chief business officer

Digicel Group has announced the appointment of Salvador “Salva” Hierrezuelo as group chief business officer. He takes up the position, effective today, September 1, 2026.

He brings more than 20 years of international experience across telecommunications, technology and B2B leadership to the role.

Hierrezuelo joins Digicel following an extensive career with Telefónica across Latin America. 

Most recently, Hierrezuelo led Movistar Empresas at Telefónica Chile, with responsibility for the company’s B2B business across large enterprises, SMEs and the public sector. Under his leadership, the business accelerated sales and returned to revenue and margin growth.

Before moving to Chile, Hierrezuelo served as chief operating officer of Telefónica Tech in Brazil, where he led the development of its cloud and technology business, delivering strong growth and supporting its expansion through acquisition. His earlier roles at Telefónica spanned enterprise technology, infrastructure and security, customer engineering, strategy and M&A.

Commenting on the appointment, Marcelo Cataldo, Digicel’s group chief executive officer, says, “Salva brings a strong combination of commercial leadership, technology expertise and experience building and transforming B2B businesses at scale. As we continue to strengthen Digicel Business and deepen the value we bring to enterprises across our markets, his experience and perspective will be a great addition to the team. I’m delighted to welcome him to Digicel.”

For his part, Hierrezuelo responds, saying, “I’m very excited to be joining Digicel and to have the opportunity to work with a business that plays such an important role across the Caribbean and Central America. I’ve spent much of my career working at the intersection of telecommunications, technology and business transformation, and I’m looking forward to getting to know the team, our customers and our markets as we build the next chapter together.”

Daenia Ashpole appointed JBDC CEO

The Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) has appointed Daenia Ashpole as chief executive officer, effective today, September 1, 2026.

Ashpole brings extensive experience in public-sector leadership, international trade and investment, policy development, corporate governance, regulatory administration and entrepreneurship to the JBDC. Her professional background provides a strong foundation for leading the corporation as it strengthens its support to Jamaica’s micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Ashpole previously served as director of trade in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, where her responsibilities included contributing to Jamaica’s international trade policy and trade-facilitation agenda and representing Jamaica in engagements relating to regional and international trade. 

She also served as interim CEO of the Cannabis Licensing Authority, giving her direct experience in the executive leadership of a public body, including organisational management, stakeholder engagement and regulatory administration, the release stated.

Image Plus Independent Director, Carolyn DaCosta resigns 

Corporate professional, Carolyn DaCosta has provided written notice of her resignation as an Independent Director from the board of Image Plus Consultants, effective September 30, 2026. At that time, she will also cease chairing the Remuneration, Corporate Governance & Nominations Committee.

However, DaCosta will continue to offer governance oversight as the company’s Mentor until November 30, 2026. In accordance with Rule 503 of the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) Junior Market Rules, the Board will, within this 90-day period, advise the JSE of details regarding the appointment of a new mentor.

The Board of Directors uses this opportunity to express its sincere gratitude to Ms DaCosta for her guidance, oversight, and contribution to the Company’s regulatory compliance and corporate governance framework and practices during her tenure.