GraceKennedy (GK) is proud to announce that Grace Burnett, CEO of the GraceKennedy Financial Group (GKFG), has been honoured with the Insurance Association of Jamaica (IAJ) Leadership Excellence Award. This prestigious accolade highlights Burnett’s remarkable contributions to the insurance industry and her exemplary leadership within GKFG.

The announcement was made at the inaugural IAJ Hall of Fame and Awards Ceremony, held on September 12, 2024, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel under the theme, Celebrating Service Excellence. The event honoured iconic figures in the insurance sector, as well as top performers in the broking and loss-adjusting fields.

Grace Burnett (left), CEO of the GraceKennedy Financial Group (GKFG), receiving her Insurance Association of Jamaica (IAJ) Leadership Excellence Award, from IAJ President Sharon Donaldson at the awards function held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on September 12, 2024.

GK Group CEO, Don Wehby, congratulated Burnett on her achievement, stating: “Grace is not only an exceptional leader but also an inspiration to everyone who works with her. Her dedication and innovative spirit have been key drivers of the remarkable growth and success of GKFG. Her passion for developing her team is evident in the way she invests time and energy into nurturing talent, empowering others to reach their full potential. Her contributions to the company are invaluable, and I am truly honoured to work alongside such a phenomenal individual.”

He added, “This award is a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment to excellence, and her dedication to GK and the communities we serve.”

Grace Burnett, CEO of the GraceKennedy Financial Group (GKFG) accepts the Leadership Excellence Award from the Insurance Association of Jamaica (IAJ) at the awards function held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on September 12, 2024.

Burnett’s journey with GK began in 2000 as General Manager of Jamaica International Insurance Company (JIIC), now GK General Insurance. She later became Managing Director of Allied Insurance Brokers in 2006 and was appointed CEO of GKFG in 2016. In 2019, she also assumed the role of President & CEO of GraceKennedy Money Services.

In addition to being an attorney-at-law, Chartered Insurer, and Chartered Director, Burnett has developed deep expertise in operations, customer experience, and employee engagement. She is also a passionate advocate for community service, having founded the Jamaica Society for Insurance Professionals & Technicians, and currently chairs the Women’s Leadership Initiative, where she champions education, mentorship, and the empowerment of women.

At the IAJ ceremony Allied Insurance Brokers was also recognized, earning the 2024 Business Partner Gold Award for over 50 years serving the Insurance industry.

Grace Burnett, CEO of the GraceKennedy Financial Group (GKFG) and her husband Junior Burnett, with members of the GKFG team at the Insurance Association of Jamaica (IAJ) Awards at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on September 12, 2024. Front row (L-R) are Annalise Harewood, Regional Manager, Digital Operations, GraceKennedy Money Services (GKMS); Terry-Ann Graver, Chief Operating Officer, First Global Bank (FGB); Amanda Beepat, Managing Director Allied Insurance Brokers (AIB); Anna-Kae West, Head of Strategy and Business Support, AIB; Janell Williams – Myers, Marketing Officer, Insurance & Investments, GKFG; Rachel Greenland, Marketing Manager, Insurance and Investments, GKFG; Steven Whittingham, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, GKFG; Back row (L-R) Chaluk Richards, General Manager, GK General Insurance (GKGI); Chauntelle Gordon, Vice President Compliance, FGB; Camile Coore, Assistant General Manager – Underwriting, AIB; Margaret Campbell, Chief Operating Officer, GKMS; Daniel Thompson, General Manager, GK Mutual Funds; and Jordon Tait, Assistant General Manager- Broker and Technical Services, GKGI.