LORNA Myers will become the first woman inducted into the Private Sector Organisation (PSOJ) of Jamaica’s Hall of Fame.

Since 1992, the PSOJ pays an annual tribute to a private sector leader who has made innovative and sustained contributions to the development of the private sector for more than 25 years.

Myers co-founded and developed Restaurants of Jamaica in 1975 with her late husband, Anthony. After his passing 21 years ago, she became the company’s chairman and chief executive officer.

Persevering through challenging economic times and many other obstacles, Myers continued to lead Restaurants of Jamaica through rapid expansion, maintaining leadership in the industry and achieving great success for the company.

She captained the ship and motivated her team through rough times, expanding the KFC brand in Jamaica, more than doubling the number of restaurants in Jamaica and adding to the Pizza Hut franchise, the release from the PSOJ said. She worked alongside her son, Mark and daughters Michelle and Tina.

“The selection committee wholeheartedly endorsed Lorna’s nomination for induction in the Hall of Fame,” said Joesph Matalon, immediate past president of the PSOJ.

He said: she is undoubtedly one of Jamaica’s most powerful businesswomen who has broken the proverbial glass ceiling to become the first female member of the hall of fame.

With limited experience in the restaurant business and formal training, she applied herself in every aspect of KFC’s operations. Her work ethic and hands-on approach got the new business off the ground in the mid-1970s.

Restaurants of Jamaica currently employs over 1,300 Persons islandwide.

The entrepreneur recognised that the company must have the ability to deliver products and service at a consistently high standard, in keeping with the stringent demands of the international KFC franchise.

Current PSOJ President Christopher Zacca said he looked forward to welcoming Myers into the prestigious body of Jamaican business leaders.

“It is fitting that Lorna’s role and contribution to the private sector through her leadership of Restaurants of Jamaica, the undoubted leader in the quick service restaurant industry be recognised”, he said.

Myers will be the 20th inductee and will take her place in the Hall of Fame among the finest and most celebrated businessmen in Jamaica.

She will be inducted at a gala event on November 14.