NEWLY appointed managing director of GK Capital Management Limited, Kareem Tomlinson, is taking a laser-focused approach to the company’s business lines.

In an exclusive interview with the Jamaica Observer, Tomlinson shared his enthusiasm for joining GraceKennedy, a Jamaican multinational conglomerate with operations in over 40 countries. Tomlinson highlighted the opportunity to lead the investment arm as a key draw, citing the potential to leverage the GraceKennedy brand, reach, and network.

“I’m very, very excited about the opportunity to help grow the investment business line to the next level,” he expressed.

According to Tomlinson, the plan is to remain laser-focused on areas where they excel and can dominate. They concentrate on specific business lines, including their core services: investment banking, asset management, and wealth management.

“For the remainder of the year, it’s really about refocusing on these areas to see how we can bring even greater levels of service to the clients we serve in each of those business lines.”

GK Capital Management has launched its mutual fund offerings, a move that has brought convenience and ease to investing for a wider range of investors. This development, which occurred almost exactly one year ago, was made possible through a partnership with the Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation. According to Tomlinson, the performance of the fund has been exceptional, with strong growth in funds under management and impressive returns.

“We’re outperforming around 80 per cent of other funds in the market, which demonstrates our strong value proposition,” he told the Caribbean Business Report.

Tomlinson emphasised that the company’s growth strategy is rooted in the foundational principles of the GraceKennedy Group: honesty, integrity, and trust. These values have been integral to the company’s investment approach and will continue to guide its expansion plans.

“We believe it remains a good time to be an investor in Jamaica. If you look at the macroeconomic fundamentals, the rating agencies have provided very strong affirmations regarding Jamaica’s trajectory,” he shared.

With inflation now seemingly under control, Tomlinson believes businesses will benefit from the ability to plan for the future and manage costs more effectively.

“We’re still seeing companies raising capital, an area where we excel, so we’re planning to further enhance our services,” he added.

Tomlinson also revealed the company’s growth strategy, focusing on expanding its client base and broadening its services while ramping up its asset management business. GK Capital Management aims to leverage its expertise in asset management, currently serving insurance companies, foundations, and large organisations with significant investment portfolios.

As GK Capital Management Limited marks its 10th anniversary this June, Tomlinson expressed his honour in leading the company and building on its successes.

“It’s a noteworthy achievement to be able to play in this space the way we do and have the successes that we’ve had over the last 10 years. And we’re looking to build on that to ensure that the next 10 years are even better than the last,” said Tomlinson.