Chris Dehring, who, two weeks ago, joined LIME's regional business as marketing executive-in-chief, has been appointed chairman of the Board of LIME Jamaica, succeeding Englishman Leonardo 'Len' de Barros, who served in the position for six years.

Barros' exit comes days into confirmation by LIME parent, Cable and Wireless Plc, that the telecoms was demerging its operations to create two new units, CW International and CW Worldwide.

Jamaica and the Caribbean fall under the CWI banner.

Dehring, who executes his job as chief marketing officer (CMO) from LIME Jamaica's corporate offices in Kingston, effectively becomes Geoff Houston's immediate boss.

But, within the broader regional operation, both Houston and Dehring report to David Shaw, chief executive officer of LIME Caribbean, whose offices are in Barbados.

Within LIME Caribbean's corporate structure, Houston is also an executive vice-president.

LIME Jamaica said that Dehring's appointment created no confusion in the organisational structure, telling the Financial Gleaner that, as chairman, he leads the board and that the board's role was 'company governance and ensuring the long-term development goals of the firm in the interest of its shareholders'.

As CMO, Dehring's ideas for the 'One Caribbean' branding and marketing, would need buy-in from Houston — who manages LIME's largest Caribbean market — and other country managers, who together oversee 13 operating zones.

Dehring's addition to the LIME Caribbean staff this month was trumpeted as 'a get' by the company which made much of his cricket credentials and his role as co-founder of Jamaica's first investment bank.

"Chris has been a most welcome addition to LIME's regional executive team and I am truly excited that he will now be taking on the additional responsibility of serving as Chairman of our business in Jamaica," said Shaw in a company-issued statement.

"As the largest market in the Caribbean, Jamaica is critical to our overall regional business and with Chris taking on the role of chairman we are bolstering our team and building a solid foundation to drive growth and profitability in this critical market."

Dehring's appointment as chairman took effect November 9. He began his job as CMO a week before on November 1.

business@gleanerjm.com