Peter Morris departs Jamaica Producers on May 31. - File

Peter Morris, chief operating officer and board director of JamaicaProducers Group (JPG), has resigned from the conglomerate, after 23 years with the company.

"At this point, I felt it time to pursue other opportunities," Morris told Wednesday Business. He said he has worked with JPG since 1984.

His resignation takes effect on May 31, 2007, a month ahead of another transition involving Dr. Marshall Hall, who has resigned as group managing director, after 28 years with JPG, paving the way for his son Jeffrey Hall.

The company has identified no immediate replacement for Morris, but based on comments by Jeffrey Hall, who currently holds the position of divisional director, the hunt seems to be on for an executive whose thinking is in line with the company's global mindset.

Aggressive growth agenda

"JP has an aggressive growth agenda for our U.K. and regional operations," he told Wednesday Business on Tuesday.

"We are reviewing our options to make sure that we put in place the expertise on our leadership team to achieve that agenda."

Morris was appointed to the JPG board in 1999 and has been the COO since 2000. He previously served as group treasurer for more than 10 years.

JPG chairman, Charles Johnston, has described Morris as an outstanding executive.

"Mr. Morris is an outstanding executive and has contributed greatly to JPG in many different areas," said Johnston.

"He leaves with the best wishes of the board and staff of JPG who thank him for his varied and important contributions over the years."

business@gleanerjm.com