Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Timeline
Board Experience
Special Training
References
Board Experience
Special Training
References
Board Experience
Special Training
References
Generic
Zachary H. Harding

Zachary H. Harding

Kingston,Jamaica

Summary

TEDx Speaker Co-Author, Amazon Best Seller Book “We are the Sacred Masculine Rising” Awarded as Jamaica's 2021 Brokerage CEO of the Year by the Global Banking & Finance Awards Committee Senior Leadership Executive with over 25 years of overall experience in media, advertising, production, manufacturing, distribution, finance, consumer goods, and government. 15 years of experience as CEO, CMO and/or Company Director. Held full P&L responsibility for a US$40 million commercial equipment and electronics distribution and service business, representing 15 leading global brands. Turned company around in 16 months achieving profitability after 10 consecutive years of losses. Sales and Marketing responsibility for US$90m packaging, beverage and food distribution business. Increased revenues by $30m from launching new strategic marketing campaigns. Expert at leading diverse teams in crisis situations, motivating them to innovate, think differently and rise to new challenges. Expert at building trusted relationships with Fortune 500 executives, as well as multinational brands and suppliers. Skilled at implementing operational excellence initiatives, while enhancing performance, improving quality, reducing costs, and generating sustainable revenue/EBITDA gains. Experienced in Capital Raising, Mergers & Acquisitions, Strategic Partnerships, Supply Chain Management and Improvement. Has led teams of up to 15 direct reports and 325 indirect reports. Certified in Emotional Intelligence, Conflict Resolution, Effective Leadership, Negotiation Techniques and Strategic Brand Building. Executive Producer of Feature Films, TV shows and Documentaries.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Executive Chairman

DELTA CAPITAL PARTNERS
Kingston, Jamaica
06.2024 - Current
  • Chairman of the Board of Directors
  • Overall responsibility for setting the strategic vision of the company
  • Supported fundraising activities by engaging in dialogue with potential investors or donors.
  • Provided oversight of all legal matters related to the company's operations.
  • Analyzed industry trends to identify opportunities for growth and expansion.
  • Chaired committees on special topics, driving focus on critical issues and strategic opportunities.
  • Built consensus between factions and devised innovative strategies to improve business decision-making processes.
  • Engaged with shareholders and stakeholders to maintain trust and confidence in the organization's direction.
  • Led board meetings, setting agendas and ensuring productive discussions and decision-making.
  • Set board agendas and schedules and oversaw performance and progress.

Founder and Director

HYPERION EQUITY USA LLC
Jamaica
01.2015 - Current
  • Lead all aspects of the business including deal origination, capital sourcing, deal structuring, diligence, closing and post-close management oversight
  • Successfully raised US$13 million for the purchase of a publicly traded company to a private entity
  • Successfully raised US$1 million and invested in a feature film as Executive Producer
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, best practices and industry developments.
  • Developed and implemented a comprehensive business plan to launch the company.
  • Oversaw all aspects of operations including product development, marketing, sales, customer service and finance.
  • Secured initial funding through pitching to angel investors and venture capitalists, raising significant capital.
  • Managed annual budgeting process, including forecasting and financial planning.

Group Chief Executive Officer

SSL GROWTH EQUITY LLC
Barbados/Jamaica
01.2019 - 06.2022
  • Lead the restructuring of the business and its various subsidiaries
  • Rationalize defunct companies and streamline customer relationships
  • Work closely with the Financial Services Commission to rectify outstanding issues
  • Facilitated communication between board members, executives, staff members, and other stakeholders.
  • Led the recruitment process for executive-level positions within the organization.
  • Ensured compliance with government regulations regarding safety standards and labor laws.
  • Developed creative solutions for complex problems facing the organization.
  • Established policies, procedures, and protocols to improve operational efficiency.
  • Drove company vision with collaborative employee engagement techniques and strategic leadership.

Chief Executive Officer

CARIBBEAN CLIMATE SMART ACCELERATOR
Jamaica
04.2018 - 09.2018
  • Leading the day-to-day management of the Accelerator in collaboration with a senior leadership team
  • The CEO is ultimately accountable to deliver on the ambitious vision and strategy approved by the Accelerator Governing Board
  • Negotiated $220k from IDB for strategic retreat
  • Negotiated probono contribution of 250k from PWC
  • Coordinated and played lead role in strategic retreat with PWC
  • Negotiated and secured formal commitments from OECS and Caricom
  • Negotiated $120k probono contribution from Zero Mass Water of Hydropanels to provide Bustamante Children's Hospital and UWI pediatric ward with free clean drinking water for at least the nest 15 years at no cost to the GOJ
  • Conceptualized and lead the development of the first ever Caribbean Climate Risk Matrix
  • Negotiated US$70 worth of probono contribution from Cadmus Group re Risk Matrix
  • Developed business case for converting public bus fleet of four (4) Caribbean countries from diesel to Electric Battery buses showing 6-year break-even point, based on fuel savings and maintenance savings combined with operational efficiency
  • Brought in and helped structure US$450m of energy projects for Haiti involving a hybrid wind and solar solution
  • Brought in US$10m letter of intent from OPIC for the project
  • Brought in Sargassum Seaweed project through OECS to help solve seaweed build up affecting several Caribbean islands
  • Identified road surface additive that can extend road life in the Caribbean by up to 40%
  • Negotiated partnership with UWI valued at US$1m including support from Mona School of Business, free conference and meeting facilities, probono consultancy, probono PR support through UWI TV, cooperation with research departments and mutual sharing of knowledge
  • Secured Sean Paul as Climate Smart Ambassador
  • Identified and brought in Vetiver Grass planting project to protect against soil erosion
  • Identified short list of high-quality key potential team members for permanent team
  • Keynote Speaker or Panel Participation at XL Catlin Ocean Risk Conference, Resilient Infrastructure Conference, SIDS Climate Risk Forum, CDB Forum on Climate Change
  • Negotiated COSA probono support valued at US$70,000
  • Negotiated EIS probono support of US$60,000
  • Engaged Caricom Energy Secretariat to produce regional energy pipeline
  • Initiated and worked with TNC to develop Operation Coastal Defense including contribution of $150k towards setting up regional oceans body, and begin planning process for Regional Ocean Summit (at UWI)
  • Secured attendance of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade launch
  • Negotiated and brought Urban Development Corporation of Jamaica on board as a partner
  • Achieved the ratification of OECS mind map as the official framework of resilience for the Caribbean Accelerator
  • Facilitated communication between board members, executives, staff members, and other stakeholders.
  • Developed creative solutions for complex problems facing the organization.
  • Represented the company at conferences, trade shows, networking events.
  • Led organization by establishing business direction and actualizing operational plans to meet goals.

Co-Founder & President

THE PHOENIX GROUP
Florida, USA
01.2012 - 12.2015
  • Provide strategic and operational leadership, lead direct capital raising efforts, identify business opportunities and spearhead global expansion and growth initiatives
  • Lead and coordinate financial, operational and legal diligence for target investments
  • Lead negotiations with seller-side regarding valuation and deal structuring
  • Successfully closed acquisition of $21m revenue packaging company
  • Developed valuable fortune 500 relationships with c-suite, procurement and diversity executives
  • Expanded deal pipeline to include Energy, Media, Cosmetics, Travel Management, Heavy Equipment Rental, Healthcare, Agriculture and Data Analytics opportunities

Chief Executive Officer

APPLIANCE TRADERS LTD.
Jamaica
01.2010 - 12.2012
  • Company Overview: www.atljamaica.com
  • Full P&L responsibility for the business
  • Managed 15 direct reports with total staff compliment of 325
  • Www.atljamaica.com
  • Joined a 40-year old family business and succesfully devised and led a turnaround strategy
  • Revamped marketing and sales approach, achieving record sales increase of 50%
  • Reduced expenses by 12% by right-sizing company structure
  • Fixed supplier relationships with 4 key suppliers who were about to cancel long-standing distribution agreement
  • Conceptualized and successfully opened a new retail facility
  • Led a complete customer service re-training program
  • Implemented new technologies to streamline processes across departments.
  • Collaborated with marketing team to launch promotional campaigns that increased brand awareness.
  • Developed creative solutions for complex problems facing the organization.
  • Increased productivity by creating new policies, objectives and procedures to streamline operations.
  • Executed on-time, under-budget project management to adhere to project road map.
  • Improved profitability by accurately maintaining P&L to meet prime fiscal responsibility.
  • Oversaw technological improvements, successfully reducing waste and eliminating business bottlenecks.
  • Hired, trained, and mentored staff members to maximize productivity.
  • Signed and approved budgets for new funding and program initiatives.
  • Drove revenue by cultivating successful client relations.
  • Exceeded sales goals through upselling and cross-selling within existing client base as well as strategically attracting new business.
  • Implemented strategic offerings to enhance company's suite of products and services.
  • Developed long-range plans for business growth, resulting in increase in annual sales.

Deputy Director of Tourism and Special Advisor to the Minister of Tourism

MINISTRY OF TOURISM & JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD
Jamaica
01.2007 - 12.2009
  • Company Overview: www.visitjamaica.com
  • Responsible for advising the Minister on policy, marketing and strategy
  • Handled negotiations with major cruise lines (Carnival and Royal Caribbean)
  • Contributed to the development of the strategic plan for the Ministry of Tourism
  • Developed and managed the strategic PR plan for brand Jamaica during Beijing 2008 Olympics
  • Organized and led meetings with key investors and travel agents in Beijing
  • Www.visitjamaica.com

Director of Marketing

WISYNCO GROUP LTD.
Jamaica
01.2004 - 12.2007
  • Company Overview: www.wisynco.com/
  • Responsible for developing overall marketing strategy for 17 major brands
  • Managed 6 direct reports and 20 indirect reports
  • Responsible for managing a marketing budget of US$2 million
  • Responsible for successfully marketing local brands Bigga, Wata as well as global brands including Coca-Cola, Sprite, Ocean Spray, Haagen Dazs, Welch’s, Libby’s, Pillsbury, Hunts, Hershey’s, Keebler, Swiss Miss and several others
  • Increased sales of Ocean Spray by over 300% in 2 years resulting in Jamaica becoming the highest per-capita consuming country of Ocean Spray in the world
  • Increased sales of Wata by 150% in 2 years, making it the #1 water brand in Jamaica
  • Responsible for New Product Development leading to the launch of 2 successful products
  • Launched first Häagen Dazs retail store in Jamaica
  • Www.wisynco.com/
  • Established relationships with external agencies or partners to expand reach of marketing efforts.
  • Developed comprehensive marketing plans and strategies to increase brand awareness and customer loyalty.
  • Managed a team of marketing professionals in the implementation of campaigns, advertising, promotions, and public relations activities.
  • Analyzed competitor products and services to gain insight into industry trends and opportunities.
  • Conducted market research to identify target audiences and develop effective messaging strategies.
  • Expanded new businesses by developing powerful sales, advertising and marketing campaigns.
  • Boosted sales by developing new product marketing strategies.
  • Established KPIs and reporting systems to measure marketing effectiveness and ROI.
  • Guided the brand messaging and positioning, ensuring consistency across all channels and touchpoints.
  • Evaluated marketing personnel and offered constructive feedback on ways to improve.

Strategic Development Manager

DIAGEO (RED STRIPE) JAMAICA
Jamaica
01.2001 - 12.2004
  • Company Overview: www.diageo.com
  • Responsible for concept development and idea generation for portfolio of 8 brands (Red Stripe, Red Stripe Light, Heineken, Guinness, Smirnoff Ice, Black Ice, Dragon Stout
  • Responsible for developing and managing project plans from concept to execution
  • Responsible for crafting and leading creative direction with external agencies
  • Managed team of 12 staff, including 3 direct reports
  • Responsible for training others in techniques of Idea Generation and Innovation
  • Www.diageo.com

Education

Diploma - Sales & Marketing Management

University of New Orleans
01.1999

Diploma - Entertainment Management and Marketing

University College of the Caribbean
Kingston, Jamaica
01.1996

Bachelors Degree of Law -

University of the West Indies
Kingston, Jamaica
01.1993

Ontario Academic Diploma -

Ashbury College
Ottawa, Canada
01.1992

High School Diploma -

Campion College
Kingston, Jamaica
01.1990

Skills

  • Organizational Leadership
  • Budget Management
  • Stakeholder Management
  • Media Relations
  • Staff Development
  • Revenue Growth
  • Profit and Loss Management
  • Change Management
  • Economic Analysis
  • Marketing and Advertising
  • Contract Negotiation
  • Industry partnership development
  • Problem-Solving
  • Negotiation
  • Executive Leadership
  • Systems Thinker
  • Mergers and Acquisitions
  • MIssion and Vision

Timeline

Executive Chairman

DELTA CAPITAL PARTNERS
06.2024 - Current

Group Chief Executive Officer

SSL GROWTH EQUITY LLC
01.2019 - 06.2022

Chief Executive Officer

CARIBBEAN CLIMATE SMART ACCELERATOR
04.2018 - 09.2018

Founder and Director

HYPERION EQUITY USA LLC
01.2015 - Current

Co-Founder & President

THE PHOENIX GROUP
01.2012 - 12.2015

Chief Executive Officer

APPLIANCE TRADERS LTD.
01.2010 - 12.2012

Deputy Director of Tourism and Special Advisor to the Minister of Tourism

MINISTRY OF TOURISM & JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD
01.2007 - 12.2009

Director of Marketing

WISYNCO GROUP LTD.
01.2004 - 12.2007

Strategic Development Manager

DIAGEO (RED STRIPE) JAMAICA
01.2001 - 12.2004

Diploma - Sales & Marketing Management

University of New Orleans

Diploma - Entertainment Management and Marketing

University College of the Caribbean

Bachelors Degree of Law -

University of the West Indies

Ontario Academic Diploma -

Ashbury College

High School Diploma -

Campion College

Board Experience

  • Caribbean Airlines Ltd.
  • JAMPRO - Jamaica Trade and Invest
  • Chairman, Marketing Subcommittee – JAMPRO
  • Delta Capital Partners
  • Stocks & Securities Ltd.
  • Summit Container Corporation (Colorado, USA)
  • Deputy Chairman, Sports and Entertainment Network, Tourism Linkages Network, Ministry of Tourism
  • JADCO - Jamaica Anti-doping Commission
  • UDC - Urban Development Corporation of Jamaica
  • Port Authority of Jamaica
  • Jamaica Manufacturer’s Association
  • National Education Trust
  • St. Ann Development Company
  • Jose Marti School - Vice Chairman, Board of Management
  • Sterling Asset Management
  • Jamaica Football Federation
  • National Gallery of Jamaica
  • JAMAL (Life-long learning, remedial reading and adult education program)

Special Training

  • Diageo Way of Brand Building I, II & III
  • Target Consumer Understanding
  • Idea Generation and Innovation
  • Brand Essence Development
  • Project Management
  • Measurement and Evaluation of Marketing Activities
  • Emotional Intelligence for Leadership
  • Coaching Conversations

References

  • Michael Lee-Chin, Chairman & CEO, Portland Holdings Inc., mlc@portlandic.com
  • William Mahfood, Chairman, Wisynco Group, williamm@wisynco.com, +1-876-371-3887
  • Hon. Edmund Bartlett M.P., edbartletmp@gmail.com
  • Michelle Chong, CEO, Honey Bun Ltd, michellechong@honey-bun.com, +1-876-878-3097

Board Experience

  • Caribbean Airlines Ltd.
  • JAMPRO - Jamaica Trade and Invest
  • Chairman, Marketing Subcommittee – JAMPRO
  • Delta Capital Partners
  • Stocks & Securities Ltd.
  • Summit Container Corporation (Colorado, USA)
  • Deputy Chairman, Sports and Entertainment Network, Tourism Linkages Network, Ministry of Tourism
  • JADCO - Jamaica Anti-doping Commission
  • UDC - Urban Development Corporation of Jamaica
  • Port Authority of Jamaica
  • Jamaica Manufacturer’s Association
  • National Education Trust
  • St. Ann Development Company
  • Jose Marti School - Vice Chairman, Board of Management
  • Sterling Asset Management
  • Jamaica Football Federation
  • National Gallery of Jamaica
  • JAMAL (Life-long learning, remedial reading and adult education program)

Special Training

  • Diageo Way of Brand Building I, II & III
  • Target Consumer Understanding
  • Idea Generation and Innovation
  • Brand Essence Development
  • Project Management
  • Measurement and Evaluation of Marketing Activities
  • Emotional Intelligence for Leadership
  • Coaching Conversations

References

  • Michael Lee-Chin, Chairman & CEO, Portland Holdings Inc., mlc@portlandic.com
  • William Mahfood, Chairman, Wisynco Group, williamm@wisynco.com, +1-876-371-3887
  • Hon. Edmund Bartlett M.P., edbartletmp@gmail.com
  • Michelle Chong, CEO, Honey Bun Ltd, michellechong@honey-bun.com, +1-876-878-3097

Board Experience

  • Caribbean Airlines Ltd.
  • JAMPRO - Jamaica Trade and Invest
  • Chairman, Marketing Subcommittee – JAMPRO
  • Delta Capital Partners
  • Stocks & Securities Ltd.
  • Summit Container Corporation (Colorado, USA)
  • Deputy Chairman, Sports and Entertainment Network, Tourism Linkages Network, Ministry of Tourism
  • JADCO - Jamaica Anti-doping Commission
  • UDC - Urban Development Corporation of Jamaica
  • Port Authority of Jamaica
  • Jamaica Manufacturer’s Association
  • National Education Trust
  • St. Ann Development Company
  • Jose Marti School - Vice Chairman, Board of Management
  • Sterling Asset Management
  • Jamaica Football Federation
  • National Gallery of Jamaica
  • JAMAL (Life-long learning, remedial reading and adult education program)

Special Training

  • Diageo Way of Brand Building I, II & III
  • Target Consumer Understanding
  • Idea Generation and Innovation
  • Brand Essence Development
  • Project Management
  • Measurement and Evaluation of Marketing Activities
  • Emotional Intelligence for Leadership
  • Coaching Conversations

References

  • Michael Lee-Chin, Chairman & CEO, Portland Holdings Inc., mlc@portlandic.com
  • William Mahfood, Chairman, Wisynco Group, williamm@wisynco.com, +1-876-371-3887
  • Hon. Edmund Bartlett M.P., edbartletmp@gmail.com
  • Michelle Chong, CEO, Honey Bun Ltd, michellechong@honey-bun.com, +1-876-878-3097

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Zachary H. Harding