adam stewart

executive chairman, sandals & beaches resorts

Adam Stewart is Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, the company founded by his late father, the Hon. Gordon “Butch” Stewart, only the second Chairman in the company’s 40-year history. He assumed the role after working alongside his father for more than two decades, serving as Chief Executive Officer of Sandals Resorts International and, most recently, Deputy Chairman, leading the brand’s transition to its now Luxury Included® signature and overseeing a period of great expansion that also introduced the region’s first over-the-water accommodations and adding resorts in the new destinations of Curaçao and Saint Vincent. His efforts have been recognized by numerous hospitality industry awards including being named the 2015 Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Hotelier of the Year.

Born in 1981, the same year his father Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart purchased his first hotel and launched the Sandals Resorts chain, Stewart was raised in Jamaica and later graduated from the acclaimed Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University in Miami. After graduation, Stewart underwent a fast-track immersion course through the company’s Caribbean-wide resort operations, which today comprises 24 resorts across three brands and ten islands, with plans to expand to more islands in the near future.

Along with his father, Stewart’s leadership has earned the company international acclaim including being named The World Travel Awards’ Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Company for 25 consecutive years, and has resulted in Stewart being personally recognized as the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association’s Hotelier of the Year 2015, World Travel Awards’ Rising Star, Caribbean World’s Travel and Tourism Personality of the Year and receiving the Distinguished Alumni Torch Award from FIU and The Gleaner Company’s Jamaica 50 under 50 Award. In October 2015, Stewart was also named the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Hotelier of the Year.

An avid adventurer and lover of the sea, Stewart was inspired to share his passion for the Caribbean and launched the region’s premier tour company, Island Routes Caribbean Adventures, offering countless unique and exciting tour and adventure experiences throughout the region. Island Routes has since transformed from a small island outpost to a multiple World Travel-Award-winning company employing 200 people and offering hundreds of adventures in 12 countries.

In addition to his hospitality interests, Stewart is Executive Chairman of the family owned ATL Group comprising the Jamaica Observer, the country’s leading daily newspaper and Appliance Traders Limited a chain of domestic and commercial appliance outlets founded in 1968 and known for its exclusive distributorship of the world’s top electronic brands and ‘unbeatable’ customer service throughout Jamaica. Modernized under the younger Stewart’s leadership, the reenergized company now encompasses a broad spectrum of new sectors with international aspirations while still remaining faithful to the philosophy of service that the senior Stewart created many years ago. In 2018 the company celebrated its 50th anniversary as one of the largest private sector organizations in Jamaica, boasting over 750 employees nationwide.

In 2010, driven by his love for cars, Stewart changed the face of the automotive industry in Jamaica with the rapid expansion of ATL Automotive. With multi-million dollar distributorships and state-of-the-art service centers located in Kingston and Montego Bay, ATL Automotive boasted unrivaled sales and service of the Audi, Volkswagen and Honda brands. ATL Autobahn was formed in 2016 under the ATL Automotive umbrella as the local dealer and regional master dealer for BMW and MINI for the Caribbean region. In 2017, the iconic brand Porsche was launched under ATL Motorsports and the South Korean global superbrand Kia began operations under ATL Tiger Automotive brand in March 2018.

In August 2016, ATL Automotive announced a game changing tri-brand franchise partnership with the world’s largest car rental company, Enterprise Holdings Inc. – the first ever of its kind – that saw the Alamo, National and Enterprise brands represented at four locations throughout Jamaica including prime spots at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and in each city centre.

Expanding his holdings, in May 2017, Stewart oversaw the introduction of the Starbucks® brand to Jamaica when he partnered with Margaritaville Caribbean Group to form Caribbean Coffee Traders Limited and entered into a licensing agreement with the Starbucks Coffee Company. The agreement granted Stewart’s group the exclusive rights to own and operate Starbucks® stores throughout Jamaica. There are now three Starbucks outlets in Jamaica in Montego Bay, Falmouth and Kingston.

Despite being one of the most prominent young businessmen in the region, Adam Stewart remains a proud Jamaican and citizen of the Caribbean, dedicating much of his time to elevating the islands he calls home. In 2009, he founded the Sandals Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the aim of uniting the region under one common goal: to uplift its people through education and protect its delicate ecosystems. The Sandals Foundation, where he serves as President, harnesses the resources, talents, partnerships and awareness behind the Sandal brand to tackle a myriad of issues affecting the Caribbean. One hundred percent of the monies contributed by the general public to the Sandals Foundation go directly to programs benefiting the region.

In 2013, Stewart was named Ambassador of the Caribbean SickKids Paediatric Cancer and Blood Disorder Project. The not-for-profit collaboration between Canada’s renowned Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and various institutions across six Caribbean islands, works to provide the best possible management for pediatric cancer and to improve outcomes for children affected by cancers and serious blood disorders in the region. Stewart also founded and sits as Chairman of We Care for Cornwall Regional Hospital, a local non-profit organization that brings together Montego Bay-based individuals to raise funds and improve the facilities of the city’s Cornwall Regional Hospital. In 2018, Stewart was honored with the Ambassador for the Poor Award by the Food for the Poor at its 23rd Annual Building Hope Gala for his efforts to help impoverished communities in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

Underlining his reputation as a staunch advocate of education, Stewart established the internationally accredited private sector educational institute, the Sandals Corporate University/ATL Academy of Excellence. Launched in early 2012, the Sandals Corporate University (SCU) pushes the boundaries of distance learning in the Caribbean with over 5,000 team members enrolling in the University to date, and the resorts and companies themselves reaching new levels of excellence. The SCU is the hospitality sector’s first adult education program for Caribbean nationals employed by the Sandals/ATL Group and is underscored by the company’s well-documented training and development of a world-class team; and Stewart’s ambitious leadership in offering guests and clients unprecedented experiences.

In 2016, Stewart received the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) for outstanding contribution to tourism and the hotel industry. The Order of Distinction is a national honor conferred by the Government of Jamaica upon citizens who render outstanding and important services to the country. He was also named the 2016 Caribbean American Mover & Shaker – Humanitarian of the Year from the Caribbean Media Network. In June 2017, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) honored Stewart with the Jerry Award for his demonstrated passion in the development of the Caribbean region through time, energy, financial and other personal and professional resources.

Stewart recently concluded a three-year stint as 1st Vice President of the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association and currently chairs the country's Tourism Linkages Council, which seeks to enhance the capacity and competitiveness of local suppliers, making the strength of tourism work for all.

Adam and his wife Jill are proud parents to son Aston and daughters Sloane and Camden.

joanne pearson

director, corporate reporting

As a skilled financial expert with over 30 years of robust corporate finance experience, Joanne has demonstrated a history of excellence in the hospitality industry. Over the years, she has honed and developed competencies in hospitality analytics, creating and managing budgets and cash flow, business planning and external audit.

As Director of Corporate Reporting, Joanne has direct responsibility for the Business Intelligence System that tracks the daily, weekly and monthly KPIs for the Sandals Resorts Group. She also meticulously provides and prepares budget guidelines, consolidates and analyzes budget files and facilitates budget reviews on behalf of the group.

With her vast knowledge and wealth of experience, Joanne has contributed significantly to the financial health and stability of the Sandals Group. In addition to being a chartered accountant through the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and a graduate of the University of the West Indies, Joanne is also a member of the Audit and Payables Committees for Sandals Resorts International.

jessica shannon

chief experience officer

Serving as a global industry leader with extensive consulting experience in market development, market positioning and customer experience, change management, organizational transformation and more, Jessica Shannon joined Sandals Resorts International’s team as Chief Experience Officer.

Jessica is responsible for enhancing the company’s award-winning approach to delivering best-in-class, experiences across the entire guest journey, from booking through to returning home. She also leads the global strategy for new and innovative experiences based on evolving traveler demand and shifting world scenarios. Additionally, Jessica utilizes her recognized expertise to ensure that team members enjoy a workplace centered on human-design, fostering an inspiring, transparent and sustainable culture that allows team members to do their best work together.

Jessica holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Finance and International Business.

heidi clarke

executive director

Born and raised in Jamaica, Heidi has extensive experience in the education, social services and business management fields. As the Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation – the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International which focuses on developing the Caribbean and improving the lives of its people through the areas of education, environment and community – Heidi manages development projects across nine Caribbean islands.

By harnessing the power of volunteerism and activism led by team members, guests, travel agents, local, regional, international, nonprofit organizations, and corporate partners, Heidi and her team execute life-changing programs that go beyond the doors of Sandals and Beaches Resorts.

Heidi sits on the board of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation and is a Director on the board of Nudge Caribbean. In Jamaica, she is a certified Game Warden with the National Environment and Planning Agency and a member on the boards of the Fish Sanctuary Network, the North East Regional Health Authority Fundraising Committee, Culloden Early Childhood Institute, and the Freedom Skatepark Committee.

Heidi graduated from the University of Miami, where she studied child psychology and education while working with children and underprivileged schools in the South Florida community.

Shawn DaCosta

chief strategy officer

With an impressive background working at and leading at several resorts in Jamaica and the Turks and Caicos Islands, complemented by international experience at luxury resorts in Italy and London, Shawn DaCosta in his current capacity as Chief Operations Officer at Sandals Resorts International, works closely with the chain’s Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman, managing the day to day operations of all 19 resorts in the region and leading a dynamic team to maintain the highest standards across the group.

Since joining the company in 1991 as a management trainee, Shawn has distinguished himself to become an integral member of the Sandals Resorts Executive team – holding various roles over his tenure including Food and Beverage Manager at Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Dunn’s River, and Director of Operations at Beaches Turks & Caicos. After an impressive display in Turks and Caicos, he was asked to join the team at Sandals Resorts International as Director of Operations in 2006, and was responsible for all resort operations within the company’s portfolio, with direct reporting from all General Managers and responsibility for all partnership relations.

Spearheading numerous successful resort openings, Shawn has consistently demonstrated impressive management skills and operational know-how, generating new initiatives and ideas to efficiently grow the company’s operations, becoming the Chief Operations Officer in 2016. He created and implemented the chain’s first Standard Operating Procedures document for all departments, played a fundamental role in establishing the corporate procurement division and led the development of the company’s award-winning COVID-19 response, the Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness.

Shawn was educated in The Netherlands at Stenden University where he was named valedictorian; in The United States and Jamaica and has spent his entire career in the hospitality industry.

winston anderson

managing director, eastern caribbean

As a hospitality professional with nearly 40 years of experience in Food and Beverage, Accounting, Rooms Division, Sales and Marketing, and Project Management, Winston’s journey with Sandals Resorts is well-known.

Winston began working with the Sandals Resorts team in 1991 as a Food & Beverage Manager at Sandals Ochi and later advanced to hold successively progressive roles including Hotel Manager and then General Manager across the group.

His most recent promotion in 2017 saw him being appointed Managing Director, Sandals Grande St. Lucian with oversight for all three Saint Lucian resorts. As of 2021, Winston’s role has expanded to include overseeing the islands of Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in addition to his duties as Managing Director for all Saint Lucian resorts.

Karen C. Barnaby-Swaby

Financial Controller, Technical Services Division

Having in excess of 20 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, Karen currently supports the dynamic Technical Services Division which has responsibility for new construction, acquisition, renovation and branding of the resorts under the Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts brands. Prior to her appointment as Financial Controller of the Technical Services Division, Karen served as Financial Controller for Sandals Grande Antigua and Sandals Royal Plantation, having been promoted from Assistant Financial Controller at Beaches Negril and serving as Management Accountant at the SRI Corporate Office.

During her tenure, she has undertaken the training and development of several finance teams across the Group and has been the recipient of awards including Financial Controller of the Year 2007 for the Group Finance Team and MVP of the Year 2017 for Sandals Resorts International.

Karen is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica, a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and a Chartered Global Management Accountant. She studied at the University of Technology, Jamaica, and holds degrees in Business and Accounting. She also earned her MBA in Business Administration and Management at the Nova Southeastern University, Florida.

gordon "butch" stewart,
OJ, CD, Hon. LLD

1941-2021

founder, sandals & beaches resorts

A visionary like Butch Stewart comes along once in a lifetime. He blazed trails in the hospitality industry, and it all began with one resort and a big dream. Forty years later, he turned that dream into the World’s Only 5-Star Luxury Included® Vacation. Today, there are 20 Sandals and Beaches Resorts on 10 islands across the Caribbean — in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, Bahamas, Grenada, Barbados, Curaçao, Turks & Caicos, and Saint Vincent.

He also built what analysts estimate to be a billion dollar, privately-owned Jamaican-based empire that includes 24 Caribbean resorts, Appliance Traders Ltd., and the Jamaica Observer newspaper. All told, Butch Stewart spearheaded two-dozen diverse companies that are collectively Jamaica’s largest private sector group, the country’s biggest foreign exchange earner, and its largest non-government employer.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, on July 6, 1941, Butch Stewart grew up along Jamaica’s north coast, a tropical paradise boasting some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, now home to six Sandals Resorts and two Beaches Resorts. But the origin of Stewart’s business career as the leading entrepreneur in the Caribbean had nothing to do with the hotel or resort industries; rather it had everything to do with salesmanship. Stewart proved himself to be a master of the craft.

After rising to the position of sales manager for the renowned Dutch-owned Curaçao Trading Company, Stewart left in 1968 to start Appliance Traders, Ltd. (ATL). Founded as an air-conditioner service and distribution company, ATL soon grew meteorically, adding refrigerators, freezers and other appliances. When the Jamaican government turned socialist in 1970 and demanded a limit on imports, Stewart met what at the time was the greatest challenge to his business savvy and resourcefulness by expanding into manufacturing. Today, ATL makes or sells everything from water pumps and electrical generators to cars and auto parts.

By 1980, the government returned to a more centrist approach to politics and business began to emphasize tourism. The first government-owned, “all-inclusive” resort opened in Ocho Rios and ATL was contracted to supply kitchen appliances and air conditioners. Stewart’s unofficial motto, “We can do better,” kicked into gear and led to his purchase of an old hotel on one of Montego Bay’s largest beaches. Despite no hotel experience, Stewart approached this business with a simple philosophy he articulated many times: “The winning formula is to find out what people want, give it to them and, in doing so, exceed their expectations.”

Seven months and $4 million in renovations later, Sandals Montego Bay opened, the flagship of the most popular award-winning, Luxury Included® resort chain in the world. Stewart never laid claim to starting the all-inclusive concept, couples-only format; he captured the title of “King of All-Inclusives” by continuously innovating and by steadfastly adhering to the “We can do it better” principle of pleasing his guests.

Where other so-called “all-inclusives” offered meals and rooms at a set rate, Sandals Resorts’ prices covered gourmet dining options, premium spirits, gratuities, airport transfers, taxes and all land and watersport activities. The competitions’ meals were buffet-style, so Stewart created the on-property specialty restaurants with high culinary standards and white-glove service. Sandals Resorts also was the first Caribbean hotel to offer Jacuzzis and satellite television service, the first with swim-up pool bars and the first to guarantee that every room is fitted with a king-size bed and a hair dryer

Mr. Stewart’s innovations changed the face of the all-inclusive format and established both Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts as the most successful brands in the category — and elevating them to a whole new category of all-inclusive. His successes garnered hundreds of personal and industry awards, which have been well-publicized. Perhaps less well-known is the extent of his considerable philanthropy. Under his direction, Sandals and Beaches Resorts give active support to more than 150 major projects in its host communities, through the company’s philanthropic arm, The Sandals Foundation. This support ranges from the building of schools to the paying of teachers, to providing hospitals with linens, to bringing healthcare to the doorsteps of those who cannot afford it.

Maverick. Innovator. Icon. These are all words that aptly describe our late founder. But his love for the Caribbean islands he called home, his family, and making sure his guests had the time of their lives was at the heart of the man. His legacy is indelible and his legend will live on as Sandals continues to dream big and deliver on his promise of creating the next generation of travel.