Shawn DaCosta, former Director of Operations at Sandal Resorts International, has been promoted to the position of Chief Operations Officer. His new position was announced last week by Sandals Chairman Butch Stewart and Chief Executive Officer Adam Stewart.

“It is with great pleasure that the Chairman and I announce the promotion of Mr Shawn DaCosta to the position of Chief Operations Officer (COO), effective immediately,” Adam Stewart said in the letter, dated June 22.

“Joining the company in 1991 as a management trainee, Shawn has distinguished himself to become an integral member of our executive team,” he said.

“Trusted, infallibly professional and possessing an expertise honed by preparation and experience, Shawn has contributed greatly to the continuous streamlining and development of our company’s operations and growth; rising from management positions in food and beverage to Director of Operations at Beaches Turks & Caicos and in 2004, to Director of Resort Standards, where he created and implemented the resort chain’s first Standard Operating Procedures for all departments and played a fundamental role in establishing the company’s corporate procurement division.

“Since 2006, Shawn has served as Director of Operations for all properties within the Sandals Resorts International portfolio, with direct reporting from all General Managers and responsibility for all partnership relations.

“Leading the charge on numerous successful resort openings, Shawn has consistently demonstrated impressive management skills and operational know-how, generating new initiatives and ideas to efficiently grow the company’s operations. His new role will give him even greater responsibility as the brand continues to expand and innovate,” the CEO said.

Shawn was educated in the Netherlands, the United States and Jamaica and has spent his entire career in the hospitality industry.