{{short description|Jamaican businessman (born 1981)}} {{Infobox person | name = Adam Stewart | honorific_suffix = CD | image = AdamStewartHeadshot.jpg | caption = Stewart in 2022 | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1981|1|27}} | birth_place = Kingston, St. Andrew, Jamaica | death_date = | death_place = | father = Gordon "Butch" Stewart | education = Florida International University | occupation = {{hlist|Hotelier|Businessman}} | party = | spouse = {{marriage|Jill Stewart|2009|2023|end=died}} | children = 3 }} '''Adam Stewart''' (born January 27, 1981) is a Jamaican businessman. He is the Executive Chairman of the Caribbean-based resort company Sandals Resorts (SRI) and Beaches Resorts, President of the Sandals Foundation, and Executive Chairman of the ATL Group, a Jamaica-based automotive, commercial, and domestic appliance distributor. Stewart founded Island Routes Caribbean Adventures.<ref>{{cite news|title=Citizens of the Caribbean |url=http://www.leadersmag.com/issues/2013.1_Jan/Hospitality/LEADERS-Adam-Stewart-Sandals-Resorts-International.html |newspaper=Leaders Magazine |date=2013 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130318184428/http://www.leadersmag.com/issues/2013.1_Jan/Hospitality/LEADERS-Adam-Stewart-Sandals-Resorts-International.html |archivedate=2013-03-18 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Butch and Adam Stewart |url=http://www.caribbeantraveltrade.com/news/butch-and-adam-stewart/ |accessdate=16 December 2011 |newspaper=Caribbean Travel Trade |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130908042713/http://caribbeantraveltrade.com/news/butch-and-adam-stewart/ |archivedate=8 September 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Interview: The Stewarts on Sandals, business and family values|url=http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/articles/2009/01/15/29977/interview-the-stewarts-on-sandals-business-and-family.html|accessdate=15 January 2009|newspaper=Travel Weekly}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Interview with Adam Stewart|url=http://www.upmagazine.com/story/article/interview-adam-stewart|accessdate=19 November 2012|newspaper=Up Magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219022229/http://www.upmagazine.com/story/article/interview-adam-stewart|archive-date=19 December 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Pike|first=Joe|title=Interview with Sandals' CEO Adam Stewart|url=http://www.travelagentcentral.com/all-inclusives/interview-sandals-ceo-adam-stewart-9828|accessdate=25 August 2008|newspaper=Travel Agent Central}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=BTN Exclusive Interview: Adam Stewart reveals the secret of Sandals' success|url=http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/focus/article/btn-exclusive-interview-adam-stewart-unveils-the-secret-of-sandals-success/|accessdate=12 October 2011| newspaper=Breaking Travel News}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media | last=Murphy | first=Mark | title=Interview with Adam Stewart, CEO of Sandals Resorts International | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEJF_lpsZko | work=TravelPulse | via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| title=Adam Stewart, born leader. Born to a leader.|url=http://www.hotelresortinsider.com/news_story.php?news_id=704&cat_id=9|newspaper=Hotel Resort Insider|access-date=2014-03-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503202831/http://www.hotelresortinsider.com/news_story.php?news_id=704&cat_id=9|archive-date=2014-05-03|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Sandals Resorts International CEO on State of Hotel Industry|url=http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/1789478896001/sandals-resorts-international-ceo-on-state-of-hotel-industry/#sp=show-clips|publisher=Fox Business|accessdate=16 August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=23 October 2023 |title=How Island Routes Caribbean Adventures Caters to Families |url=https://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Family-Travel/How-Island-Routes-Caribbean-Adventures-Caters-to-Families |accessdate=24 April 2023 |publisher=TravelAge West}}</ref>
The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has listed Stewart for an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree for his family's contributions to the tourism and travel industry throughout the Caribbean.<ref name="thevoiceslu.com">{{cite web|title=A Deserving Doctorate for an Honourable Honouree!|url=https://thevoiceslu.com/2022/09/a-deserving-doctorate-for-an-honourable-honouree/|date=3 September 2022|accessdate=24 April 2023}}</ref> He sits on the executive committee of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC),<ref name="thevoiceslu.com"/> and was appointed as an Ambassador and Special Investment Envoy for Jamaica in 2023.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jamaica Prime Minister appoints Adam Stewart of Sandals and others as Ambassadors and Special Economic Envoys|url=https://antiguanewsroom.com/jamaica-prime-minister-appoints-adam-stewart-of-sandals-and-others-as-ambassadors-and-special-economic-envoys/|date=11 May 2023|accessdate=1 June 2023}}</ref>
==Early life== Stewart was born on January 27, 1981, in Kingston, Jamaica, the same year that late his father, Gordon "Butch" Stewart purchased his first hotel and launched the Sandals Resorts chain.
Stewart was raised in Jamaica. He attended high school at St. Andrew's School in Boca Raton where he met his late wife, Jill.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mitchell |first=William |date=2023-07-15 |title=Remembering Jill Stewart: Wife, Mother, Runner |url=https://nationwideradiojm.com/remembering-jill-stewart-wife-mother-runner/ |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=Nationwide 90FM |language=en-US}}</ref> He graduated from Florida International University’s Hospitality Management Program in Miami, Florida.<ref>{{cite web|title=Adam Stewart, CEO of Sandals Resorts International, Awarded the Florida International University's School of Hospitality and Tourism Torch Award Being Recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus|url=http://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4050890.html|publisher=Hpspitalitynet|accessdate=6 April 2011}}</ref>
==Sandals Resort International==
Stewart was appointed chief executive officer, of Sandals Resorts International in 2006 and deputy chairman in 2009. Under his leadership, SRI has witnessed the addition of the Italian and Key West Villages at the company's flagship Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa,<ref>{{cite web|title=Beaches Turks and Caicos to Unveil New Key West Luxury Village in May|url=http://www.travelagentcentral.com/turks-and-caicos-islands/beaches-turks-and-caicos-unveil-new-key-west-luxury-village-may-39386|work=Travel Agent Central|date=6 March 2013 |accessdate=6 March 2013}}</ref> and the launch of Sandals Emerald Bay in the Bahamas, a 245-room resort with a 150-slip marina and Greg Norman golf course, in February 2010.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cotterill|first=Steve|title=Sandals CEO extends luxury hospitality|date=22 June 2010|url=http://www.thebahamasinvestor.com/2010/sandals-ceo-extends-luxury-hospitality/|publisher=Bahamas Investor Magazine|accessdate=22 June 2010}}</ref>
In 2013, SRI opened two Resorts in new island locations: Sandals Barbados and Sandals La Source Grenada.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://caribbeanworld-magazine.com/travel-trade/home/grand-opening-of-sandals-lasource-resort-and-spa-grenada/|title=Grand Opening of Sandals Lasource Resort & Spa Grenada|website=caribbeanworld-magazine.com}}</ref>
In August 2016, Stewart was conferred upon the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) for outstanding service to tourism and the hotel sector.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web | url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Jamaica-Observer-s-Adam-Stewart--Michael-Gordon-make-honours-list |title = Jamaica Observer Limited}}</ref>
In December 2017, SRI opened Sandals Royal Barbados.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.travelmarketreport.com/articles/%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20Sandals-Resorts-Officially-Opens-Newest-Property-in-Barbados|title=Sandals Resorts Officially Opens Newest Property in Barbados|date=December 22, 2017|website=www.travelmarketreport.com}}</ref>
In June 2022, Sandals opened its 16th resort in Curaçao, Sandals Royal Curaçao,<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2022-07-01 |title=Curaçao warmly welcomes Sandals' 16th property |url=https://nypost.com/2022/07/01/curacao-warmly-welcomes-sandals-16th-property/ |access-date=2023-06-13 |language=en-US}}</ref> followed by the reopening and modernization of Sandals Dunn’s River in 2023.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Sandals-Dunns-River-review |title=Sandals Dunn's River reflects an evolving brand|first1=Gay Nagle|last1=Myers|date=October 15, 2023|newspaper=Travel Weekly}}</ref> SRI announced plans to expand to the island of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in Spring 2024.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stvincenttimes.com/sandals-resort-st-vincent-grenadines-to-open-2024/|title=Sandals Resort in St Vincent is on stream to open in 2024|first=Ernesto|last=Cooke|date=October 7, 2022}}</ref>
==Island Routes Adventure Tours==
In 2009, Stewart launched Island Routes Adventure Tours, offering excursions throughout the region.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sandals launches Island Routes|url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/162347_Sandals-launches-Island-Routes|work=Jamaica Observer|accessdate=23 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054026/http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/162347_Sandals-launches-Island-Routes|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Island Routes has since grown from a small island outpost to a multiple World Travel Award-winning company<ref>{{cite web|title=Island Routes Caribbean Adventures|url=http://www.worldtravelawards.com/profile-30148-island-routes-caribbean-adventures|work=World Travel Awards}}</ref> of 200 people offering hundreds of adventures in 12 islands<ref>{{cite web|last=Island Routes|title=Island Routes|url=http://www.islandroutes.co.uk/}}</ref> with the enviable title of the Caribbean's leading Tour Company in just three years.
In 2023, Island Routes was named the ‘World’s Leading Caribbean Adventure Tour Company’ by the World Travel Awards for the twelfth consecutive year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.travelweek.ca/news/sandals-resorts-international-honoured-at-world-travel-awards-special-gala/|title=Sandals Resorts International honoured at World Travel Awards’ special galaSandals Resorts International honoured at World Travel Awards’ special galaSandals Resorts International honoured at World Travel Awards’ special gala|date=September 2, 2022|website=Travelweek}}</ref>
==The ATL Group== In August 2009, Adam Stewart was appointed as CEO and deputy chairman of the family-owned ATL Group comprising the ''Jamaica Observer'', and ATL Appliance Traders, a chain of domestic and commercial appliance outlets combining distributorship of electronic brands in Jamaica.<ref>{{cite web|title=Adam Stewart appointed Observer deputy chairman|url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/158137_Adam-Stewart-appointed-Observer-deputy-chairman|work=Jamaica Observer|accessdate=24 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304180925/http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/158137_Adam-Stewart-appointed-Observer-deputy-chairman|archive-date=4 March 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In June 2023, ATL Automotive was named Regional Master Dealer for ‘Build Your Dreams’ new energy vehicles, obtaining sale and aftersale rights in Jamaica, and a regional management role in 8 other countries throughout the Caribbean.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.atlautomotive.com/atl-automotive-named-caribbeans-master-dealer-for-byd/|title=ATL AUTOMOTIVE NAMED CARIBBEAN’S MASTER DEALER FOR BYD | ATL Automotive Group|date=November 5, 2023}}</ref>
He was appointed to the position of executive chairman of ATL group in 2021.<ref>{{cite web|title='My greatest honour' – Adam Stewart takes top post at ATL|url=https://our.today/my-greatest-honour-adam-stewart-takes-top-post-at-atl/|publisher=Our today|date=22 January 2021|accessdate=24 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Adam takes charge|url=https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/environment/adam-takes-charge/|publisher=Jamaica Observer|date=22 January 2023|accessdate=24 April 2021}}</ref>
===ATL Automotive=== In 2010, Stewart launched ATL Automotive. ATL Automotive incorporates sales and service centres located in Kingston and Montego Bay offering sales and service of Audi, Volkswagen, Honda, Jaguar, Land Rover and Range Rover automobiles.<ref>{{cite web|title=ATL Group scores Jaguar, Land Rover dealerships|url=http://www.jamaicagleaner.mobi/gleaner/20100716/business/business2.php|work=Jamaica Gleaner|accessdate=16 July 2010}}</ref>
In April 2015, ATL Automotive announced the termination of its Jaguar and Land Rover distributorship in order to focus on new brands that would better complement the company's growth strategy.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/results/ATL-bids-farewell-to-JLR_19218967 |title=ATL bids farewell to JLR - Search Results - JamaicaObserver.com |access-date=2016-01-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304210404/http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/results/ATL-bids-farewell-to-JLR_19218967 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In January 2016, ATL Automotive signed an agreement to become Regional Master Dealers for BMW and MINI in Jamaica and eight countries throughout the Caribbean. The regional appointment, a first ever for a Jamaican automotive company, followed a nine-month tender process that saw ATL Automotive overcome international bids from across Europeans and the Americas. <ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/ATL-Automotive-now-regional-dealer-for-BMW-and-MINI_45427 | title=Jamaica Observer Limited}}</ref>
In March 2016, the ATL Automotive Group announced an exclusive partnership to bring German carmaker Porsche to Jamaica.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/business/20160403/porsche-comes-jamaica-may | title=Porsche comes to Jamaica in May| date=3 April 2016}}</ref>
==Caribbean Coffee Traders Limited (CCTL)==
On May 4, 2017, it was announced that Starbucks had entered into a licensing agreement with Caribbean Coffee Traders Limited (CCTL), providing rights to own and operate Starbucks stores in Jamaica. Caribbean Coffee Traders Limited (CCTL) is a joint venture between Ian Dear, chief executive officer of Margaritaville Caribbean Group area franchise of Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville and Adam Stewart.
Starbucks opened its first store on the island in Montego Bay, St James on November 21, 2017. The company as well as local license Caribbean Coffee Baristas Limited (CCB) have plans to roll out a further 14 stores in Jamaica by 2020. {{Citation needed|date=September 2022}}
==Awards==
• In 2010, Stewart was awarded Caribbean World's Travel and Tourism Personality of the Year
• In 2010, Stewart was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Torch Award from FIU<ref>{{cite web|last=Prenaud|first=J|title=FIU honors distinguished alumni at 10th Annual Torch Awards Gala|url=http://news.fiu.edu/2011/02/fiu-honors-distinguished-alumni-at-10th-annual-torch-awards-gala/21380|work=FIU News|date=15 February 2011|accessdate=15 February 2011}}</ref>
• In 2012, Stewart was awarded The Gleaners Jamaica 50 Under 50 Award<ref>{{cite web|title=Adam Stewart 50 Under 50|url=http://jamaica-gleaner.com/pages/50under50/adam-stewart.php#.UxTGgPldWvM|work=Jamaica Gleaner}}</ref>
• In 2012, Stewart was awarded the World Travel Awards Rising Star<ref>{{cite news|title=SANDALS WINS COMPANY RECORD NUMBER OF WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS|url=http://www.travelhotnews.com/reportages.php?sequence_no=40445|work=Travel Hot News|publisher=Travel Hot News|accessdate=17 September 2012}}</ref>
• In June 2015, Stewart was named Hotelier of the Year 2014/2015 by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourism Association <ref>{{Cite web | url=http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20150610/adam-stewart-hotelier-year | title=Adam Stewart is hotelier of the year| date=10 June 2015}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Adam-Stewart-named-Hotelier-of-the-Year_19100489 | title=Jamaica Observer Limited}}</ref>
• On October 4, 2015, Stewart was named the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Associations Hotelier of the Year 2015. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://caribbeanhotelandtourism.com/Press2015-Oct5.php |title=Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association |accessdate=2015-10-16 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304204957/http://caribbeanhotelandtourism.com/Press2015-Oct5.php |archivedate=2016-03-04 }}</ref>
• On October 16, 2015, Stewart was named the Caribbean Personality of the Year 2015 at the Caribbean World Travel & Living Awards <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/home/magazine/travel-and-living-awards-2015/ |title=TRAVEL & LIVING AWARDS 2015 » Caribbean World Magazine |website=www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305082803/http://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/home/magazine/travel-and-living-awards-2015/ |archive-date=2016-03-05}}</ref>
• In August 2016, Stewart was appointed as a member of the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) for outstanding service to tourism and the hotel sector.<ref name="auto"/>
• In September 2017, Stewart was presented with the Caribbean Tourism Associations Jerry Award for individuals contributing to Caribbean development.
• In September 2021, Stewart received the Pacesetter Award from the Travel Allies Society in recognition of people served.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-24 |title=Adam Stewart takes 2021 Pacesetter Award as travel sector trailblazer |url=https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/adam-stewart-takes-2021-pacesetter-award-as-travel-sector-trailblazer/ |access-date=2023-06-13 |website=Jamaica Observer |language=en-US}}</ref>
• On November 5, 2022, Stewart was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the University of West Indies.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Donald |date=2023-11-06 |title=Sandals Chairman Adam Stewart named 'Executive of the Year'. |url=https://www.travelpulse.com/news/features/sandals-resorts-chairman-adam-stewart-named-executive-of-the-year-at-2023-travvy-awards#:~:text=Sandals%20Resorts%20International%20Executive%20Chairman,at%20this%20year's%20Travvy%20Awards. |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=travelpulse.com |language=en}}</ref>
• In May 2023, Stewart was appointed Ambassador and Special Investment Envoy for Tourism in Jamaica by the Prime Minister of Jamaica, The Most Honorable Andrew Holness.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20230511/holness-appoints-four-new-ambassadorsspecial-investment-envoys-drive-economic|title=Holness appoints four new ambassadors/special investment envoys to drive economic growth|date=May 11, 2023|website=jamaica-gleaner.com}}</ref>
• On November 2, 2023, Stewart was named 'Executive of the Year' at the ninth annual Travvy Awards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sandals Resorts Chairman Adam Stewart Named Executive of the Year at 2023 Travvy Awards |url=https://www.travelpulse.com/news/features/sandals-resorts-chairman-adam-stewart-named-executive-of-the-year-at-2023-travvy-awards |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=TravelPulse |language=en}}</ref>
• In 2024, Adam Stewart was named a "Changemaker" in the Hospitality Leadership Category at the Skift IDEA Awards
==The Sandals Foundation and Philanthropy==
In 2009, Stewart founded the Sandals Foundation.<ref>{{cite web|last=Evans|first=Hope|title=Sandals Foundation now a reality|url=http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090320/social/social2.html|work=Jamaica Gleaner|accessdate=20 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100221040658/http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090320/social/social2.html|archive-date=2010-02-21|url-status=dead}}</ref> As the philanthropic arm of SRI, the Sandals Foundation donates to Caribbean communities through environmental, educational, and community projects, with 100% of every dollar donated directed towards funding initiatives.
In 2012, Stewart also founded and currently sits as Chairman of the We Care Foundation, a local non-profit organisation that brings together Montego Bay-based individuals to raise funds and improve the facilities of the nearby Cornwall Regional Hospital.<ref>{{cite news|title=MegaMart partners with 'We Care Cornwall Regional Hospital Foundation' |url=http://www.westernmirror.com/index.php/permalink/5599.html |newspaper=Western Mirror |date=12 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120822045546/http://westernmirror.com/index.php/permalink/5599.html |archivedate=22 August 2012 }}</ref>
In 2012, Stewart established an internationally accredited private sector educational institute, Sandals Corporate University, which promotes distance learning in the Caribbean.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gilchrist|first=Carl|title=Caribbean Leaders Endorse Sandals Corporate University|url=http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20120323/lead/lead93.html|newspaper=Jamaica Gleaner|date=23 March 2012}}</ref>
In 2013, Sandals Foundation provided a US$50,000 donation to the Caribbean-SickKids Paediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders project with the objective of improving outcomes for children affected by cancers and serious blood disorders in the Caribbean. Additionally, Adam Stewart was named ambassador of the project.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20130321/news/news4.html |title = SickKids project gets US$50,000 boost - Sandals Foundation remains committed to health care|date = 21 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Sandals-supports-fight-against-paediatric-cancer-and-blood-disorders_16086712 |title = Jamaica Observer Limited}}</ref>
In 2022, the Sandals Foundation partnered with Netherlands’s AJAX football team to launch the Future Goals Program, which converts fishing nets sourced from the ocean and recycled plastic waste into soccer goals for children.<ref>https://www.travelpulse.com/news/hotels-and-resorts/sandals-foundation-aims-to-inspire-caribbean-youth-through-soccer </ref>
As of 2022, the Foundation raised $79 million in funding for projects across the Caribbean.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.travelweek.ca/news/sandals-announces-40-for-40-initiative-projects-across-the-caribbean/|title=Sandals announces '40 for 40 Initiative' projects across the Caribbean|first=Travelweek|last=Group|date=March 21, 2022|website=Travelweek}}</ref>
== References == {{reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Stewart, Adam}} Category:1981 births Category:Living people Category:Jamaican people of English descent Category:Jamaican chief executives Category:Florida International University alumni Category:People from Montego Bay Category:Businesspeople from Kingston, Jamaica Category:21st-century Jamaican businesspeople Category:Commanders of the Order of Distinction Category:Saint Andrew's School (Florida) alumni