by Curlan Campbell
- Hypolite’s financial background will influence many of his decisions
- Collaborative team members approach vital for innovation and success
- Recent reciprocal tariffs underscore importance of supporting locally manufactured products
After joining ANSA McAL in 2020 and serving as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for both ANSA Coatings (Grenada) Limited and Berger Paints (Barbados) Limited, on Tuesday, 1 April, Jarmarie Hypolite became General Manager of ANSA Coatings (Grenada) Limited (ACGL), following the retirement of Christopher De Allie, who dedicated over 3 decades to the company.
De Allie joined the company on 1 November 1988 and served in several key leadership roles before being appointed Managing Director in 2009. The company stated that De Allie’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping its direction and ensuring its continued success. The release said De Allie’s visionary leadership had positioned ACGL as an “industry leader in coatings.”
Hypolite holds a BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University and is a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). He brings a transformational, democratic, and charismatic leadership style to his new position and is eager to hit the ground running. He is tasked with guiding the company’s strategic vision moving forward and will oversee all aspects of the business, including strategic planning, financial management, and team leadership. “I plan to continue engaging with staff at all levels, encouraging open communication and the sharing of ideas,” he said. “I firmly believe that some of the best ideas come from team members. I will work to foster an environment where everyone feels comfortable contributing. This collaborative approach is vital for innovation and the success of our team.”
Hypolite stated he would engage key stakeholders, including hardware partners, contractors, local customers, and distributors in export markets. “Employee engagement is also a top priority. We have a highly talented team, and the company culture has always felt like a family,” he said. “With the recent expansion and the addition of new team members, my goal is to maintain that open-door, family-like atmosphere, which has been a key factor in the company’s success. Growth and innovation will also remain top priorities as we look toward the future.”
ACGL operates within the construction sector as part of the Ansa Mcal Group of Companies, together with 4 regional manufacturing plants.
With over 15 years of experience in the financial sector, Hypolite’s financial background will influence many of his decisions, especially regarding data-driven strategies. “I will focus on optimising our supply chain and ensuring product availability so we are always equipped to meet customer demands. Financial oversight will play a key role in helping the company achieve sustainable growth,” he said. “Innovation will also play a key role in our strategy, as we have exciting new products set to launch soon, which will offer enhanced coatings solutions for our customers.”
Hypolite highlighted some of the main challenges facing the coatings industry in Grenada and the wider Caribbean. He noted that “the industry continues to grapple with rising raw material costs and supply chain disruptions. Recent tariffs and the potential introduction of new fees on shipping vessels could further drive up production costs. The recent reciprocal tariffs imposed on several Caribbean countries underscore the importance of supporting locally manufactured products, especially as larger countries are adopting similar policies.”
He highlighted how his former position as CFO prepared him for his new responsibilities. “The role of CFO has evolved significantly over the years. It’s no longer just about number crunching; today, CFOs are business co-pilots who collaborate closely with CEOs or general managers to drive strategy and growth,” he said. “Having served as a co-pilot for several years, the natural progression for me was to take on the role of pilot as General Manager, where I could have a more direct impact on the direction of the business.”
Hypolite offers valuable advice for young professionals aspiring to leadership roles. “My advice is straightforward: work hard, stay disciplined, and always seek improvement. Education is essential, but networking is equally important. Joining organisations such as Rotaract, Rotary, Lions, or Toastmasters can help you develop leadership and social skills that you might not acquire in a traditional classroom setting. These organisations also provide valuable opportunities for mentorship and personal growth.”
Hypolite has big shoes to fill as he enters his new role. He said about De Allie’s legacy: “Mr De Allie’s contributions to the company have been truly remarkable. His professional achievements, along with his personal dedication to serving Grenada, have left an inspiring legacy. I had the privilege of working closely with him for 5 years and greatly benefited from his guidance.” He added, “I’m grateful to have the support of our team, my managing director, and sector head, which alleviates some of the pressure. I look forward to building on the solid foundation he has left and continuing to grow the company moving forward.”
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