KINGSTON, Jamaica— Diane Edwards will be stepping down as president of JAMPRO when her contract ends on December 31, 2022, the company said in a statement on Thursday.

Edwards, who held the position for nine years, has been praised for her leadership in the company which resulted in many accomplishments over the years.

“Ms Edwards has led JAMPRO to be a leading government organisation that has provided local and international investors in the tourism, manufacturing, and mining sectors with significant assistance to overcome difficulties as they seek to do business in Jamaica,” the release said.

“The Global Digital Services (Business Process Outsourcing) (BPO) industry has moved from 12,000 jobs in 2013 to 54,000 jobs in 2022 through the attraction of new BPO companies and the creation of an ecosystem for multiple expansions across the country. Ms Edwards and JAMPRO have played important roles in attracting these BPO businesses to assist the Jamaican economy,” it added.

Chairperson of JAMPRO Melanie Subratie, also expressed her appreciation for the relationship she has built with Edwards and gratitude for the work they have done together.

“I have long been a champion of the sterling work done by JAMPRO and as a fellow female leader, I have admired Diane’s transformation of the organisation into a client-centric, results driven agency, leading the cause of the private sector. I am sorry to see her go, but I know that she has led a remarkable team who will continue her stellar work. There is no doubt in my mind that the Jamaica BPO industry would not exist in its current form without the work of Diane and her team at JAMPRO. They literally built an industry from the ground up,” Subratie said.

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Senator Aubyn Hill also commented on Edwards’ departure from the company.

“Diane’s endeavours to stimulate export and investment have played a significant role in the growth of the nation’s capabilities. Her management of JAMPRO and contributions to Jamaica’s economic development will be remembered,” Hill stated.

The JAMPRO board said that, with support from its Human Resource Committee, a recruitment process will begin immediately to replace the outgoing president.