Jarmarie Hypolite has officially stepped into the role of General Manager at ANSA Coatings (Grenada) Limited, effective April 1, 2025. This new chapter follows his tenure as Chief Financial Officer for both ANSA Coatings (Grenada) Limited and Berger Paints (Barbados) Limited. He succeeds longtime Managing Director Christopher De Allie, who recently retired after more than three decades of service.
The company announced De Allie’s retirement on March 28, 2025, commending his significant contributions since joining the organization on November 1, 1988. Over the years, De Allie held several leadership roles, including Production Manager, Deputy General Manager, and General Manager, before his appointment as Managing Director in 2009.
“Chris has played a vital role in the growth and evolution of ACGL,” the company stated. “Under his visionary leadership, production capacity surged from just over 400,000 liters to a remarkable two million liters in 2024, cementing our position as a leader in the coatings industry.”
Now, with Mr. Hypolite at the helm, the company looks toward a new era of innovation and growth. He will oversee all facets of the business, from strategic planning and financial oversight to people management and operational leadership.
Hypolite, known for his transformational, democratic, and charismatic leadership style, is eager to begin this next phase.
“I look forward to maintaining an open line of communication with team members at all levels,” he said. “Great ideas often come from within, and I want to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute. Collaboration is key to our continued success.”
Holding a BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University and a membership with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Hypolite plans to focus on strengthening relationships with key stakeholders—including hardware partners, contractors, customers, and export distributors.
“Employee engagement will also be a top priority. Our team is talented, and our culture feels like family. As we continue to grow, maintaining that close-knit atmosphere will be essential,” he added. “We’ll keep driving innovation and staying ahead of market demands.”
ANSA Coatings (Grenada) Limited is part of the ANSA McAL Group of Companies and operates within the construction sector, supported by four regional manufacturing plants. With over 15 years in finance, Hypolite says his background will influence many of his leadership decisions.
“I plan to use data-driven strategies to optimize our supply chain and improve product availability. Financial insight will be key to long-term sustainability,” he explained. “We’re also preparing to launch innovative new products that will deliver enhanced coating solutions to our customers.”
Addressing industry-wide challenges, Hypolite pointed to rising raw material costs, supply chain issues, and new tariffs on shipping that could impact operations. “These factors reinforce the need to support local manufacturing, especially as global trade dynamics shift,” he said.
Reflecting on his experience as CFO, Hypolite noted how the role helped prepare him for this new responsibility. “The CFO role has evolved. It’s not just about numbers anymore—it’s about being a strategic partner,” he said. “That experience naturally led me to step into the GM role, where I can directly influence our strategic direction.”
To young professionals aspiring to leadership roles, he offered this advice: “Stay focused, be disciplined, and never stop learning. Education is important, but so is networking. Join groups like Rotaract, Rotary, Lions, or Toastmasters—they offer great opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.”
As he steps into the shoes of his respected predecessor, Hypolite acknowledged the legacy of Christopher De Allie with gratitude. “Mr. De Allie’s impact on this company and on Grenada is immense. I was fortunate to learn from him over the past five years. With the support of our team, leadership, and stakeholders, I’m excited to build on his legacy and guide ACGL into its next phase of success.”
