David Martin gets bigger role at JP Tropical, as Simmonds departs

David Martin, the internal consultant who aided the acquisition of associated companies for food conglomerate, Jamaica Producers Group (JPG) will assume the position as general manager JP Tropical Foods following the resignation of Rolf Simmonds.

Effective August 20, Martin will assume Simmonds' position, according to Jeffrey Hall, JPG managing director, in response to Sunday Business queries.

"He left for personal reasons," Hall said of Simmonds' departure.

Simmonds was out of office and could not reached for comment, but Sunday Business heard talk from July that he was leaving to pursue his own venture. Hall, all but confirmed that talk on Friday.

"He will pursue other personal interests ... Rolf was determined to leave and we have filled the position with a member of our senior team," he said. "Fortunately we have a very strong succession planning."

Simmonds became co-general manager with responsibility for commercial activities of JP Tropical 18 months ago. He joined the company four years ago.

Turnaround plan

Martin has been with the company for more than six years. His new responsibilities will include a turnaround plan for the commercial and food processing operations of JP Tropical Foods and to identify and harvest synergies wherever possible among JP Tropical Foods, Mavis Bank Coffee Factory, Tortuga International and Antillean Foods, according to Hall.

"Over last year, Martin has been responsible for coordinating our food acquisition in the region," said Hall about Martin.

JPG has in the current financial year acquired stakes in Mavis Bank Coffee Factory and in Tortuga International, which produces rum cakes.

"A year and a half a ago Rolf took the position of co-general manager of JP Tropical in respect to the commercial aspect. David Martin will take that portfolio. We believe he (Martin) brings all the expertise required to ensure the success of that business," Hall said.

JP for its June quarter made J$45 million net profit or 95 per cent less than year earlier levels due to a rise in administrative and marketing, selling and distribution costs.

The group has J$5 billion in equity.

business@gleanerjm.com