Adam Stewart named CNW Businessman/Philanthropist of the Year for 2025

Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, has been named Businessman/Philanthropist of the Year for 2025 by regional news publication Caribbean National Weekly (CNW).

In announcing the honour, CNW cited Stewart’s stewardship of the hospitality giant during a period of significant challenge, alongside his continued investment in regional tourism and sustained philanthropic engagement across the Caribbean.

The publication noted that 2025 was marked by major industry recognition for Stewart, including announcements of multimillion-dollar developments across Sandals’ all-inclusive luxury brands and his invitation to join the prestigious Wall Street Journal CEO Council.

But it was his response during moments of national difficulty, CNW said, that set his leadership apart.

“In 2025, the Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts didn’t just guide his iconic hospitality empire through crisis, he used its scale and influence to help shape Jamaica’s rebound and lay groundwork for future regional growth,” the publication wrote.

That leadership, it said, was most visible in late October, when Hurricane Melissa caused extensive damage to sections of Jamaica’s tourism infrastructure.

As uncertainty rippled through the sector, Stewart led what CNW described as a transparent and steady communication strategy with global travel advisers, partners and team members.

Crucially, he announced a landmark commitment that 100 per cent of Sandals and Beaches employees would remain on payroll and receive their Christmas bonuses, including staff at resorts temporarily closed for restoration and upgrades.

The company also committed more than US$3 million in staff recovery aid, providing direct assistance to families affected by the storm.

CNW also highlighted the role of the Sandals Foundation under Stewart’s guidance, noting record levels of community engagement and targeted disaster-recovery support in healthcare, livelihoods, and environmental protection.

Responding to the honour, Stewart said he was deeply humbled by the recognition, emphasising that the award reflected collective effort rather than individual achievement.

“This award reflects far more than any one individual. It is a direct result of people showing up every day for their communities and believing business is a force for good,” he said.

“It belongs to the extraordinary teams who carry our shared vision forward, especially the Sandals Foundation, whose work continues to create lasting change across education, health care, disaster relief and environmental stewardship. To every colleague and partner who helps bring this mission to life, thank you for your commitment, heart and belief.”

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.