Island Grill founder Thalia Lyn is stepping down as CEO of the restaurant chain after decades at the helm.

On Tuesday, the restaurant announced that former financial sector executive Tania Waldron-Gooden will assume the role of CEO, effective May 1, 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,” said Island Grill chairman Howard Mitchell in a press release.

Waldron-Gooden has been a board member and chairperson of the audit committee at Island Grill for the past three years, and most recently served as CEO of Caribbean Assurance Brokers (CAB). Prior to joining CAB, she served as senior vice president of investments at Mayberry.

According to the release, the move comes as Island Grill plans to expand its physical footprint and innovate its existing offerings.

Lyn will remain an integral part of the board of directors and play a significant role in the development and innovations planned over the next 12-24 months, the release stated.

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

“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,” Lyn continued. “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.”

Waldron-Gooden said she was “really honoured and humbled” by the appointment.

“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 honored 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,” she added.

Waldron-Gooden will work closely with the existing executive team which presently consists of Lyn’s son Michael and his wife Denise.

“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,” Michael said.