Adam Stewart is a visionary Jamaican entrepreneur and hospitality leader, serving as Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SRI) and the ATL Group. Under his leadership, SRI – the region’s iconic all-inclusive resort brand encompassing Sandals (for couples) and Beaches (for families) – has flourished as a cornerstone of Caribbean tourism. Born in 1981, the same year his late father Gordon “Butch” Stewart opened the first Sandals resort, Adam practically grew up alongside the family business. Today, Sandals Resorts International is one of the Caribbean’s largest employers, with over 18,000 team members and 24 resorts across nine islands. Adam Stewart has been the driving force behind the brand’s expansion and innovation, helping to carry forward his father’s legacy while imprinting his own vision on the company’s future.
As a dynamic business leader, Adam Stewart’s influence extends beyond resorts. In 2009, he founded the Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Sandals/ATL empire dedicated to uplifting Caribbean communities through education, youth empowerment, and environmental conservation. Through the Foundation, he has mobilized resources to build schools, fund scholarships, support health facilities, and preserve natural habitats across the region. Stewart also diversified the family business portfolio: he is Executive Chairman of the ATL Group, which encompasses Jamaica’s leading automotive dealership network and appliance retail operations. In this role, he oversaw initiatives like introducing the Starbucks coffee franchise to Jamaica and several other Caribbean territories, spurring local economies and showcasing his flair for strategic partnerships and innovation. Mr. Stewart’s entrepreneurial acumen and contributions to economic development have earned him widespread acclaim. In 2016, the Government of Jamaica honored him with the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) for his outstanding contributions to tourism and the hotel industry. He has been recognized as Caribbean Hotelier of the Year (2015) and received the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Jerry Award (2017) for his passion in developing the region. More recently, in 2022 the University of the West Indies conferred on him an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree, acknowledging his impact on Caribbean communities and elevating regional enterprise. In 2023, Jamaica’s Prime Minister appointed Adam Stewart as a special Investment Ambassador for Jamaica, tapping his expertise to promote national economic growth and investment opportunities. That same year, he was named “Executive of the Year” at the Travvy Awards, a top honor in the travel industry, highlighting his excellence in corporate leadership on the global stage.
Adam Stewart is being honored with the 2025 Gala Business Leadership Award for his exemplary contributions to entrepreneurship and economic development in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. As executive chairman of SRI and ATL, he has spearheaded growth and investment that significantly benefit Jamaica’s economy and global image. Colleagues describe him as an innovator who combines business savvy with a deep passion for the Caribbean’s people and culture. Indeed, Stewart has often said that his mission is not only to build world-class resorts, but also to create opportunities for Caribbean citizens and showcase the region’s hospitality to the world. This ethos is evident in projects like Island Routes, the Caribbean adventure tour company he launched to share the islands’ natural beauty and heritage with visitors.
Throughout his career, Mr. Stewart has balanced corporate success with a commitment to philanthropy and nation-building. He continually leverages his platforms to support local farmers, artisans, and small businesses by integrating them into his resort supply chains, thereby multiplying tourism’s benefits within local communities. The Sandals Foundation, which he leads as President, has invested in hundreds of community projects – from supplying schools with technology to marine conservation programs – reflecting his belief in sustainable development. Adam Stewart’s leadership style is often described as energetic, personable, and forward-thinking. Whether he is mentoring young entrepreneurs or collaborating with international investors, he remains an ardent ambassador for Jamaica. His efforts have not only solidified his family’s legacy but have also helped shape the future of Caribbean tourism.
Adam Stewart stands as a shining example of how visionary business leadership can drive national development and uplift an entire region, making him a fitting honoree at this Independence Gala.