FHC Credit Union appoints new CEO

First Heritage Cooperative Credit Union has appointed Xavier D. Allen as its new chief executive officer, effective immediately. According to a media release, “the appointment signals a strategic evolution for the financial institution as it deepens its commitment to member growth, personalised financial solutions, and digital transformation”.

Allen, who was chosen at the conclusion of a comprehensive leadership transition plan, is expected to accelerate the credit union’s mission of delivering value to its members at every stage of life. He takes the reins to lead the co-operative from Acting CEO Quilston Harrison, who served in the position for 10 months.

Reflecting on his appointment, Allen said he is excited to take the helm at a time of great opportunity.

“The credit union movement in Jamaica plays a critical role in the financial ecosystem – providing inclusive, member-driven services that build wealth and transforms lives,” he said. “I see this as the perfect opportunity to support that mission with bold, forward-thinking strategies that are grounded in technology, accessibility, and member empowerment.

“I’ve been fortunate to work with great teams throughout my career, and what excites me most about joining FHC is the opportunity to lead a group of talented professionals, who are passionate about service. I believe in supporting people to surpass their own expectations, and I look forward to making FHC not just a great place to bank, but a truly great place to work,” he added.

Allen has held several senior roles across Jamaica’s financial services industry. He served for over a decade with National Commercial Bank Jamaica, rising to head of transformation and sales, where he led a 50-person unit tasked with implementing the retail banking’s transformation and developing its digital lending platforms, including Jamaica’s first fully digital loan products. He was responsible for crafting and executing sales and service strategies that significantly enhanced customer engagement and drove business performance. His work with Clarien Bank in Bermuda and the Jamaica Bankers’ Association (JBA) focused on operational governance, process redesign, and embedding digital-first cultures. Most recently, as chief executive officer of Motor Assured Limited, Jamaica’s first fully digital motor vehicle extended warranty company, Allen led the development and market penetration of tech-enabled products designed to serve consumers.

VISION OF TRANSFORMATION

In addition to his commercial banking experience, Allen has earned a reputation as a strategic innovator in the consultancy space. As managing partner of Xavmar Consultants, he led high-level transformation projects for financial institutions, both locally and regionally. He holds an MBA with concentrations in marketing and supply chain management from Rutgers Business School in New Jersey, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in management with a concentration in management information systems.

Chairman of FHC Credit Union Camelle Ricketts-Moore expressed great confidence in Allen’s leadership skills and his ability to chart the organisation’s next phase of growth.

“Mr Allen brings a strong track record of innovation, member-focus outlooks, and strategic financial clarity. He understands the evolving needs of today’s financial consumers and is well equipped to guide FHC into a future marked by greater digital integration and personalised service. We are confident that under his leadership, FHC will continue to grow in strength and relevance for the next generation of members,” she said.

Allen outlined a vision of transformation for FHC that will position it not only as a leader within the credit union space, but as a competitive force within Jamaica’s wider financial services sector.

“We are setting our sights beyond the traditional credit union model. We will harness the power of technology and data to create smarter, faster, and more relevant financial solutions,” Allen explained. “From digital-first services to personalised financial advice, we are committed to meeting members where they are and helping them thrive.”