SENIOR executives in the Sandals/ATL Group were yesterday celebrating the promotion of their colleague David Davies to the post of group chief financial officer, saying that he is fully deserving of the elevation.

"Certainly, from the hotel side, all of us are very happy," said Shawn DaCosta, director of operations for Sandals Resorts International (SRI). "He has been able to take us through the recession, while keeping the company's balance sheet very healthy. We're very proud of him. It's a well-deserved promotion. He's the best pick for the post. We're all elated and wish him all the best. We know his work with us will get better from here."

Joanne Pearson — director of corporate reporting at SRI, and who has been working with Davies for many years — was ecstatic.

"It's absolutely amazing, well deserved," she told the Jamaica Observer and described Davies as a very thorough professional. "He's a great guy to work with. I've learnt a hell of a lot from him," she added.

Sandals Chief Executive Officer Adam Stewart said he was absolutely delighted to be working with Davies for the past eight years.

"He has enabled my team and I to achieve things we never thought possible, which have led us to our strongest financial position in our 31-year history," Stewart said.

"I look forward to working even closer with David and charting a course that will see us continue to expand across the Caribbean. David has my greatest respect," Stewart added.

David Rosen, president of ATL Automotive Limited, pointed out that Davies has been a long-serving member of the group and said that his promotion was well deserved.

"He's approachable, listens well and gives you good advice," said Rosen. "He's also a good team player and someone you can really rely on."

Ian Neita, assistant deputy chairman of the ATL Group, described Davies as possessing a sharp, analytical mind. "From an ATL perspective, he provides us with a measure of financial direction that, over the years, has allowed us to maximise on unique business opportunities that have led to our position as market leaders. He's a permanent sounding board for us," said Neita.

Davies' promotion was announced on Tuesday by Sandals/ATL Chairman Gordon 'Butch' Stewart who hailed him as an unsung hero who works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the company's financial security.

"I reserve the highest praise for Mr Davies and the fundamental role he has played in the elevation of our group of companies. It is thanks to expert guidance and dedication such as his that I am proud to say our company is in the best financial shape of its 31-year history," said the elder Stewart, who is also chairman of the Observer.

Davies will now be responsible for the companies' international financial portfolio and will act as chief financial advisor to the chairman as well as Adam Stewart.

A chartered accountant, Davies has served the Sandals/ATL Group for over 15 years. Prior to joining the company, he worked with Coopers & Lybrand, Red Stripe, American Life Insurance, Citizens Bank, and Proctor & Gamble, Canada. He serves as a director of the Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International.