GraceKennedy Limited (GK) is ushering in a new era of leadership within its financial services division, making high-impact executive appointments as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen its market position. With Grace Burnett set to retire, the company has tapped Margaret Campbell as the next CEO of GraceKennedy Money Services (GKMS) and Steven Whittingham as the incoming CEO of GraceKennedy Financial Group (GKFG).
These changes mark one of the most significant leadership transitions in the company’s history, as GK positions itself for increased competition, digital transformation, and regional expansion.
Margaret Campbell: A Seasoned Leader Takes Charge
As of April 1, 2025, Margaret Campbell will officially step into her role as CEO of GKMS, replacing Grace Burnett, who has played a pivotal role in the company’s regional dominance.
Campbell, currently the Chief Operating Officer (COO), is a longtime insider with a career spanning nearly three decades at GKMS. Having previously served as Financial Controller, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and Country Manager for GKMS Jamaica, she has been instrumental in shaping the company’s financial strategy and compliance structure.
With her extensive expertise in risk management, regulatory affairs, and cross-border financial operations, Campbell is expected to focus on strengthening digital remittance services, improving accessibility, and driving financial inclusion.
Steven Whittingham to Spearhead GKFG’s Next Growth Phase
In another key appointment, Steven Whittingham will assume the role of CEO of GraceKennedy Financial Group (GKFG) in August 2025.
Whittingham has played an influential role in GK’s expansion efforts, leading strategic acquisitions and digital innovation initiatives. His background in investment management and financial technology positions him as a forward-thinking leader at a time when GKFG is navigating increasing pressure from fintech disruptors.
With a focus on scaling banking, insurance, and digital payment solutions, Whittingham’s leadership is expected to accelerate GKFG’s competitive edge in the evolving Caribbean financial market.
Lee-Anne Bruce Named New COO of GKMS
Also taking on a key role in this leadership transition is Lee-Anne Bruce, who has been appointed as the new COO of GKMS, effective April 1, 2025.
Bruce, currently GraceKennedy’s Chief Audit Executive, has been with the company for over 20 years, previously leading its compliance and risk management divisions. She is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist and holds a business degree from Hofstra University’s Frank G. Zarb School of Business.
Her appointment signals GKMS’s commitment to strengthening internal oversight, reinforcing trust, and enhancing operational efficiency in the money services sector.
Strategic Leadership Shift for the Future
These leadership changes come on the heels of GraceKennedy’s broader executive realignment, following the recent appointment of Frank James as Group CEO. James succeeds Don Wehby, whose tenure saw the company triple its revenue from $58 billion in 2011 to $155 billion in 2023.
With financial services being a critical revenue driver for the GraceKennedy Group, the company is making calculated leadership moves to ensure it remains a dominant force in banking, remittances, and digital finance.
As Campbell, Whittingham, and Bruce take on their new roles, GraceKennedy is poised to enter a new phase of innovation, expansion, and financial resilience, solidifying its status as a leader in the Caribbean’s financial sector.
