On Friday, February 10, Jamaica’s investment promotion agency JAMPRO, that operates within the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC), announced the appointment of Shullette Cox as the organization’s new president, after the retirement of Diane Edwards, who led the agency for a successful nine year term.
Cox, who started 20 years ago at JAMPRO as an intern, was first appointed acting president on January 2, 2023 and led the JAMPRO team that supported the recent Ministerial Mission to Guyana. Melanie Subratie, Chairman of JAMPRO, noted that she was pleased with the comprehensive recruitment process carried out by JAMPRO’s board of directors and the final selection of the new president, adding that “Shullette Cox was instrumental in the successful execution of numerous initiatives at JAMPRO which have helped establish JAMPRO and Jamaica as a global leader. Shullette is credited with driving numerous government reforms moving Jamaica from 21st in ease of starting a business to sixth in the world, and a leader in the Caribbean.
“I love how Shullette has the support and enthusiasm of the team, respect from international funding agencies, and confidence of the board whilst also being a determined leader who likes to get things done and execute on objectives. I would encourage the private sector to reach out to JAMPRO and Shullette to tap into the incredible support that JAMPRO is able to offer to help increase exports, increase investments, and navigate government services,” said Subratie.
Cox was appointed Vice President in August 2013, and most recently led the Research, Advocacy and Project Implementation Division. In that role she supported the implementation of investment projects, also spearheading policies and reforms to make it easier to do business in Jamaica. She supervised various programs, including the National Competitiveness Council, and led the development initiatives such as the National Investment Policy and the National Business Portal.
Cox has previously held roles in the Prime Minister’s office in 2008 and the Cannabis Licensing Authority, where she was Interim CEO at its establishment in 2015, concurrent with her role at JAMPRO.
“I look forward to working with staff, the Board of directors, the Ministry and our public and private sector partners to grow significantly Jamaica’s exports, to increase substantially local and foreign investments into the economy, and to advocate proactively for improvements in the business environment as we strive,” said Cox of her appointment.
The agency stated Cox will also be working closely with key entities, such as HEART/NSTA Trust and others, to expand Jamaica’s workforce by ensuring that Jamaicans, and in particular Jamaican young people who are not now in the workforce, can take advantage of training, apprenticeship, certification and employment opportunities that are available.
Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill commended Cox’s appointment: “The selection of JAMPRO’s new President is critical to the strategic refocus of JAMPRO and the agenda of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce at this time, and I extend congratulations to Mrs. Cox who has been a stalwart for JAMPRO and Jamaica for many years.”
Cox holds a Master of Arts degree in Development Economics from Williams College, where she attended as an OAS Scholar, and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Economics and International Relations from the University of the West Indies. In addition, Cox, serves as a board member for the Development Bank of Jamaica’s Credit Enhancement Fund (CEF), the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) and Jamaica International Financial Services Authority (JIFSA).
