Island Grill’s founder and CEO Thalia Lyn is stepping aside from her role at the helm of the company she founded almost 32 years ago, making way for “new direction and fresh thoughts” for the quick-service food chain.

Replacing Lyn will be Tania Waldron-Gooden, who will take up the role as CEO of Island Grill on May 1, 2023. The announcement comes just days after Caribbean Assurance Brokers Limited, the entity which Waldron-Gooden now heads, released to the Jamaica Stock Exchange that she will be leaving the post on April 30, 2023.

“Tania is joining our executive team at an exciting time in the company and we feel her experience and background make her an excellent choice to join and lead the executive team,” Howard Mitchell, chairman of Island Grill, said in a release. It was also noted that members of the founding Lyn family and David McRae made the announcement official to Island Grill team members across the island on Tuesday.

Mitchell spoke to the new strategic plans being undertaken by the company, including the expansion of its physical footprint and other innovations to its existing offerings.

“I am thrilled that Tania is joining our team in this role. Her exceptional achievements in her career, her values and commitment to the development of Jamaica and Jamaican companies, make her absolutely ideal and we are truly welcoming her,” Mitchell added.

Lyn, who is also the founder of the brand, will still play an integral role on the board of directors and play a significant role in the development and innovations planned over the next 12 to 24 months.

“I have decided to change my focus and pace at Island Grill. The board and executive team and myself are aligned and know that with all the plans we have, we welcome renewed energy and external expertise to take this brand and company to the next level. Admittedly, it was a tough process mentally to get to this point, but I am very pleased with where we have reached, both as a business and as a family. I really am overjoyed that Tania has a bigger role at Island Grill and has accepted the opportunities ahead,” Lyn added.

Tania Waldron-Gooden, who is known for her experience in finance and business development, most recently as CEO of Caribbean Assurance Brokers, brings a broad range of new skills and opportunities to the company.

Waldron-Gooden is not entirely new to the company as she has, for the past three years, served as a board member and chairperson of the audit committee.

“I am really honoured and humbled by the responsibility of this new position. No one can truly fill Thalia Lyn’s heels. Thalia is one of the most beloved leaders in Jamaica, and her story and what she has achieved is legendary,” Waldron-Gooden said. “The opportunity and trust she and her family have placed in me make me both honoured and excited all at the same time. My intention is to add even more value and help to chart the best course for Island Grill into the future.”

With Waldron-Gooden now at the helm, speculation is rife that one of her aims will be to take Island Grill public.

Waldron-Gooden will work closely with the existing executive team which presently consists of Michael and Denise Lyn. Michael Lyn shared his enthusiasm for what comes next for both his mother and Island Grill, stating, “Mom has built a tremendous company and legacy and it is an incredible achievement.

“Thaila is Island Grill and Island Grill is Thalia, and we know she will never truly slow down. She’s going to want to keep abreast of our continued progress and will remain connected as a director. I think that’s a good thing; it keeps her young,” Lyn said teasingly to his revered mother.