CIBC Caribbean has announced a significant shift in its country management structure, aiming to strengthen relationships with employees, clients, and the broader community. This restructuring, which takes effect on March 1, 2025, will leverage internal talent to drive the bank’s next phase of growth.
Leading the new regional Country Management team is Donna Wellington, who has been appointed Chief Country Management Officer. Wellington, formerly the Managing Director for Barbados & OECS, brings over 20 years of experience with CIBC Caribbean. Her leadership background includes serving as Managing Director for the Eastern Caribbean region and holding key roles in the Barbados financial sector.
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CEO Mark St Hill praised Wellington’s expertise, stating, “Donna’s deep knowledge of banking and unwavering commitment to client service make her the ideal leader for this role.” He emphasized that her leadership will extend the same growth-focused approach she brought to Barbados and the OECS to the wider region.
As part of the transition, current Managing Directors (MDs) in various territories will take on new roles. Mark McIntyre (Cayman Islands) and Nigel Holness (Jamaica) will become chairmen of their respective businesses while stepping back from daily operations. Jacqui Bend (Bahamas) will transition to a governance-focused assignment, while Anthony Seeraj (Trinidad) will continue in a transitional role before retiring. A search is underway for new heads of country in Trinidad and The Bahamas.
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New leadership appointments include:
- Kemar Polius as Head of Country for Barbados
- Gemel Sobers as Head of Country for the Cayman Islands
- Annique Dawkins as Head of Country for Jamaica
All newly appointed heads will report to Wellington, with final appointments pending regulatory approval.
The restructuring aligns with CIBC Caribbean’s shift to a country-focused performance model, following a strategic reduction from 17 countries to 10 and from 72 to 45 branches. The bank aims to enhance business development, client engagement, and employee support at the country level.
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“Our goal is to transform client ambitions into reality,” St Hill stated. “This means being closer to our clients, understanding their needs, and equipping our employees with the right tools to deliver exceptional service.”
The bank has also implemented significant structural changes in recent years, including integrating business segments, centralizing key functions, streamlining digital sales, and modernizing client support services. St Hill described the new country management approach as a crucial step in optimizing CIBC Caribbean’s operations for long-term success.
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