The Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD) will be conferred on Amauri Rafael Diaz on October 17.

Mr. Diaz is a former Chairman/CEO and Director of GraceKennedy and has given over 35 years of service to the group. In 1969 he joined GraceKennedy as an Accountant, and assumed the post of Financial Controller in 1973. He was later appointed Finance Director in 1976. The position of Deputy Chairman was added to his portfolio in 1980. He was appointed Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of GraceKennedy in 1989, serving in both capacities, until his retirement in 1995. He agreed to stay on as Chairman until he demitted that position on 31st March 1998, but he retained the position of Director of GraceKennedy.

During his tenure as Chairman/CEO, he put in place within the GraceKennedy Group, a number of the policies and programmes which would enable the Group to cope in the rapidly evolving global marketplace.

Mr. Diaz is deeply committed to GraceKennedy's philosophy that corporations must give something back to the community which supports them and must be prepared to provide strong and positive leadership, both as a corporate entity and as an individual not only in commercial and industrial circles, but also in the wider society.

Setting a personal example he has given voluntary service to a number of organizations including Addiction Alert Organization (AAO) and The University of the West Indies Development and Endowment Fund. He is Honorary Vice President of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) and Chairman of the Jamaica Maritime Institute Trust Fund.

He was inducted into the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica Hall of Fame in 1994.

Posted: September 08, 2005