KINGSTON, Jamaica— Dennis Cohen has been named the chairman of the project ‘Operation Restructuring Transformation and Growth (RTG)’ at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus.

The university made the announcement in a statement on Saturday expressing that the move is a welcomed one.

The project RTG, at the university, is a key initiative geared towards reforming the administrative processes on the campus.

Cohen, a chartered accountant and distinguished business executive with over two decades of experience in the financial sector including roles as the Group Chief Financial Officer and Deputy chief executive officer (CEO) of NCB Financial Group Limited, CEO of NCB Capital Markets and Vice President of Citibank N.A. Jamaica Branch, brings a wealth of financial acumen and leadership to his new position at the UWI Mona Campus.

Expressing his enthusiasm about giving back to his alma mater, Cohen stated, “I’m eager to contribute to the transformation at my alma mater, paving the way for sustainable growth and innovation in the higher education market. This opportunity aligns perfectly with my commitment to fostering positive change and innovation.”

Pro Vice-Chancellor and principal of The UWI Mona Campus, Professor Densil A Williams, in extending his welcome to Cohen added: “We are delighted to have Dennis on board. His wealth of executive experience at the senior level and his innovative thinking are assets that will enable him to deliver tremendous value to our UWI Mona Campus in his new role as we aim to transform our administrative processes.”

Operation RTG aims to restructure, transform, and drive new areas of growth within Mona Campus, the university said.

Adding that it will involve a comprehensive review of critical portfolios within the Office of the Campus Principal, the Registry, the Bursary, and the Office of the Deputy Campus Principal to enhance efficiency and alignment with Campus’ vision and mission.

“Operation RTG will be facilitated by a broad-based committee consisting of an executive steering committee chaired by Cohen and also, a larger working steering committee reporting to the Executive Steering Committee, of which Cohen is also the chair. The committees, supported by a consultant, will work to achieve the project’s aims and objectives,” the statement read.

The objectives of Operation RTG are to:

Increase efficiency in business processes, leading to operational cost reduction;

develop new growth projects that will generate at least $4-billion in annual net revenue generation to support the campus’s mission and vision; increase student satisfaction and

increase employee engagement.

“The UWI Mona Campus eagerly anticipates the results from the work of the committee by second quarter of 2024 for implementation during academic year 2024/2025,” the statement said.