Steven Whittingham Takes the Helm at GraceKennedy Financial Group

Steven Whittingham has officially assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GraceKennedy Financial Group Limited (GKFG), succeeding Grace Burnett, who led the Group with distinction for nearly a decade.

Mr Whittingham, who has served as Deputy CEO of GKFG since 2022, is a member of the GraceKennedy (GK) Group’s Executive Committee and has played a pivotal role in GK’s digital transformation. Over his distinguished career with the Group, which began in 2013, he has held several senior leadership positions, including Chief Investment Officer, GraceKennedy Limited; Chief Operating Officer, GKFG; President, First Global Financial Services; and Managing Director, GK Capital Management. He has been instrumental in driving GK’s growth through strategic mergers and acquisitions, and greenfield start-ups, consistently delivering strong performance across portfolios.

Frank James, Group CEO of GraceKennedy Limited, welcomed Mr Whittingham into the role, “Steven’s deep understanding of the financial services industry, both locally and internationally, makes him uniquely positioned to lead GKFG into its next chapter. I have every confidence that he will guide the Group to even greater achievements as we execute our vision and strategic objectives.”

James praised outgoing GKFG CEO Grace Burnett as a transformational leader whose vision, dedication, and steadfast commitment over her 25-year journey with GK have left an enduring legacy of excellence and growth across the Group.

On his first day in office, Mr Whittingham also paid tribute to his predecessor: “It is an honour to officially take the helm of GKFG following the astute leadership of Grace Burnett. I look forward to building on her legacy as we advance our vision of delivering innovation, growth, and exceptional value to our customers, shareholders, and team. GKFG will remain steadfast in our mission to provide financial solutions that help our customers realise their dreams while making a positive impact on our community.”

Before joining GK, Mr Whittingham began his career at BlackRock in New York and later joined Morgan Stanley’s Investment Banking Group in London. He has significant expertise in asset management, mergers and acquisitions and private equity.

Mr Whittingham currently serves as Chairman of the Jamaica Stock Exchange and Campion College and has contributed to numerous public and private sector boards. He holds a BSc in Systems Engineering and a BA in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania, and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He is married with four children.

GKFG, a subsidiary of the GraceKennedy (GK) Group, is a leading financial services provider in the Caribbean, offering a comprehensive range of banking, investment, insurance, and money services in Jamaica and across the region.

 Whittingham affirmed, “GKFG remains committed to delivering innovative financial products and services, expanding our regional footprint, and making a meaningful contribution to the communities we serve.”