BUSINESSMAN and philanthropist Paul Simpson, who is among 30 Jamaicans who have been honoured with membership in the Order of Distinction at the rank of Commander (CD), says he is humbled by the acknowledgement and looking forward to continuing to dedicate his energies towards the improvement of Jamaica.

Simpson is the president and chief executive officer of the multi-billion-dollar Cornerstone Group and among the founders of Proven Wealth which has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the regional financial sector.

His entity is also the main shareholder in investment powerhouse Barita, where he serves as deputy chairman.

“Humbled and dedicated. Those are the words. Truth of the matter is, as I embark upon this mission of doing good and improving lives, the last thing on my mind is getting an award. That said, it is a good feeling and a deep honour that my country has seen it fit to acknowledge my contribution,” Simpson told the Jamaica Observer shortly after the list of 150 awardees for 2024 was published on Wednesday.

The businessman said he is committed to remaining focused on his life mission of improving Jamaica.

“Look, I take this in stride and am forever dedicated to doing all I can to make Jamaica a better place for all of us to live, grow and raise our families. I am passionate about people and projects which make a tangible and meaningful difference to their lives,” added Simpson.

The 41-year-old business leader and father of two is highly regarded in sections of the local, regional and international business community for being a ‘rain-maker’ whose creative strategies and capital-generating expertise have led to the raising of billions of dollars.

Simpson has also been instrumental in the development of the Barita Foundation which has allocated millions of dollars in scholarships to Jamaicans in need over the past few years.

Notably, when Jamaica reeled from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, Simpson directed that Barita donate the United States equivalent of $2.5 million to University of Hospital of the West Indies special project, which helped to expand its facilities between 60 and 80 additional beds for patient care.

Simpson is an investment banker with a decade and a half experience and has worked in several corporations both in the Caribbean, the United States and Europe in various senior roles.

The business leader told the Observer that his passion for financial inclusion underlines his belief that a thriving economy must embrace all citizens, including the under-banked. He described his dedication to integrating disenfranchised and under-banked people into the formal banking system as a strategic imperative.

Simpson holds a double major in computer science and geology and an MBA in general management from The University of the West Indies.

He sits on various government, private, and charity boards, including the Youth Advisory Committee of UNESCO, YMCA, and has served on Jamaica Tourist Board as chairman of the finance and audit committee.