Hot in 2024: Outstanding figures in business who defined the year

As 2024 draws to a close, Loop Business reflects on a year of achievements by leaders in business who have reshaped industries, inspired change, and driven progress across Jamaica and beyond.

From transformative leaders in finance and energy to trailblazers in aviation and global politics, this year’s "Hot List" celebrates those who’ve made their mark.

In no particular order, here's our list of leaders who defined excellence in 2024:

Cecil Foster

Under the leadership of founder and managing director Cecil Foster, FosRich Company Ltd experienced remarkable growth in 2024. The company expanded its distribution and showroom network across Jamaica and is projected to achieve $4 billion in annualised sales, marking a 25 per cent year-over-year increase, supported by new transformer business streams.

Key developments include the opening of two stores in Montego Bay and Drax Hall and the upcoming launch of a $1.8 billion supercentre and corporate office on Molynes Road, expected to create 1,500 jobs. The project, funded by GraceKennedy Pension Fund through a build-to-lease deal, includes space for a business process outsourcing (BPO) firm.

Regionally, FosRich entered Guyana, advancing its Caribbean strategy after securing $900 million through JN Fund Managers. Internationally, the company launched FosRich USA in Tennessee, supplying construction materials for federal, state, and city contracts, further diversifying its revenue streams.

This year’s achievements underscore FosRich’s ongoing commitment to innovation and market expansion.

Sitara English-Byfield

As the first Jamaican and female CEO of PAC Kingston Airport Limited, Sitara English-Byfield has already made history. Since her appointment in April, she has been at the forefront of transforming Jamaica’s aviation sector.

English-Byfield is leading a $143 million upgrade of the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA), focusing on runway enhancements, taxiway rehabilitations, and passenger comfort improvements. Her future plans include a runway extension set for 2025 to enhance safety and operational capacity.

Byfield leads a team of over 130 staff; 30 concessioners, and oversees 1.7 million passengers annually. 

Beyond infrastructure, she is collaborating with the Jamaica Tourist Board to rebrand NMIA as a premier gateway for tourism, aiming to attract more flights and elevate its regional standing.

Keisha Bailey

Keisha Bailey, CEO of Profit Jumpstarter, continues to redefine financial empowerment in Jamaica. From managing multimillion-dollar corporate portfolios to making wealth creation accessible for individuals, Bailey’s initiatives have had a far-reaching impact.

Her groundbreaking Teacher Financial Literacy Programme invested $31 million to train 200 educators in personal finance, equipping them to pass on critical financial knowledge to students. The 2024 Build Wealth Conference attracted over 200 attendees, predominantly women, and provided actionable strategies for building investment portfolios and achieving financial independence.

Bailey’s mission to demystify wealth-building has resonated deeply with underserved groups, particularly women and middle-income earners, making her a standout figure in personal finance education.

Kamala Harris

In 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris transitioned into the Democratic presidential nominee, showing record-breaking fundraising capabilities in a truncated bid for the Whitehouse.

Following President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the race, Harris, who is of Jamaican and Indian heritage, rapidly mobilised financial support, raising over $1 billion in 100 days against Donald Trump.

This fundraising effort provided the Harris campaign with a financial advantage, enabling extensive outreach and mobilization efforts.

Harris's ability to galvanise financial support in a condensed timeframe underscores her influence and the robust backing from a wide donor base. It highlights her prominence in the political arena that can be transitioned into business.

Berisford "Beris" Grey

Over the past year, Berisford Grey, President and CEO of Sygnus Group, has advanced the company's position in the Caribbean's alternative investment landscape with plans to raise US$300 million in the medium term

Highlights of 2024 for Sygnus include securing a $9 million guarantee for women-led SMEs and managing the $135 million Caribbean Community Resilience Fund, focused on investments in critical sectors such as renewable energy and sustainable housing.

Sygnus Real Estate Finance, this year, also initiated the sale of an 11,000-square-foot property on Hillcrest Avenue in Kingston to the Bank of Jamaica, with the central bank confirming a purchase price of US$8 million.

Christopher Zacca

Christopher Zacca, President and CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica, has solidified his standing as a transformative force in the Caribbean business landscape. His 2024 induction into the PSOJ Hall of Fame celebrated decades of impactful leadership, including spearheading Sagicor’s $20 billion investments to drive economic growth in Jamaica.

This year, Zacca was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from UTech, recognising his extraordinary contributions to business and public service. His ongoing commitment to national development and mentorship secures him a place on Loop’s Hot List for 2024.