JBDC appoints Daenia Ashpole as CEO

The Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) has appointed Daenia Ashpole as chief executive officer, effective September 1, 2026. In a release, the JBDC said Ashpole brings extensive experience in public-sector leadership, international trade and investment, policy development, corporate governance, regulatory administration and entrepreneurship. Her professional background provides a strong foundation for leading the corporation as it strengthens its support to Jamaica’s micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), the JBDC said.

Ashpole previously served as director of trade in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, where her responsibilities included contributing to Jamaica’s international trade policy and trade-facilitation agenda and representing Jamaica in engagements relating to regional and international trade. Ashpole has also served as interim CEO of the Cannabis Licensing Authority, giving her direct experience in the executive leadership of a public body, including organisational management, stakeholder engagement and regulatory administration, the release stated. Her governance experience includes service on public-sector Boards, including the Trade Board Limited, where she has served in senior governance roles, and the Consumer Affairs Commission.

The release added that Ashpole importantly also brings first-hand entrepreneurial experience. As a co-founder of a Jamaican business, she understands many of the practical realities confronting entrepreneurs, including building a brand, identifying markets, managing operations and growing an enterprise, according to the JBDC. Ashpole holds a Master of Science in International Trade Policy, with Distinction, from The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, and a Bachelor of Science in International Relations and Spanish from The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.

Chairwoman of the JBDC Board, Dr Nadeen Spence, said Ashpole’s appointment comes at an important stage in the development of the corporation. “The JBDC occupies a very important position in Jamaica’s entrepreneurship and MSME ecosystem. Our responsibility is to ensure that the Corporation remains responsive to the changing needs of Jamaican businesses and that the programmes, services and partnerships we develop translate into measurable benefits for the entrepreneurs we serve,” Spence said.