Barbados Today

A new investment management business has been launched in Barbados.

The Ralph Bizzy Williams-led Williams Industries Inc., which already boasts of 30 regional businesses, has announced a joint venture with two former Chief Executive Officers and directors of Digicel – Barry O’Brien and Ciarán Burke.

Obrien, who has had a long history with Irish-based telecommunications firm, previously served as its Barbados CEO from November 2008 until April 2013 before moving on to Jamaica, where he headed up Digicel’s operations from April 2013 to April 2015, before being appointed CEO of the Digicel subsidiary FinTech from April 2015 until January 2017.

Burke was CEO of Digicel Grenada from March 2015 until December 2016 and like his Irish compatriot O’Brien has been listed among its former directors.

Under the banner of Williams Caribbean Capital, they will be looking to invest in regional companies which have a strong business model and growth potential.

“The time is right for increased investment in the region and we want to avail of these opportunities and are delighted to be partnering again with Barry and Ciarán,” Williams said, in hailing the new partnership with the two Irish businessmen.

O’Brien and Burke, who have both been appointed managing directors of the new entity, also said they were delighted to be teaming up again with Williams Industries, having previously served with its chairman on the board of Digicel Barbados, in which Williams Industries is a significant shareholder.

“A key aspect of our strategy is to grow any business we invest in and following an investment into a business, Williams Caribbean Capital will work hands-on with the management team to enhance growth,” a press release issued by the new company added.