Manpower and Maintenance gets new CEO

After 33 years at the helm of a company mainly concerned with cleaning and sanitation, Audrey Hinchcliffe has handed over leadership of Manpower & Maintenance Services Group to a new recruit.

The new CEO, Don Gittens, formerly worked with Jampro, where he served for over six years as manager in charge of logistics, energy, infrastructure and emerging sectors.

Gittens is Barbadian by birth, but is in the process of acquiring Jamaican citizenship. He has over 20 years’ experience in the areas of business development, strategic planning, international investment and trade negotiations, policy development, strategic marketing, client relationship management, consultative and technology sales, as well as financial analysis. His track record also includes stints at CLICO Holdings (Barbados) Limited, where he was the information systems manager, and at Cable & Wireless Jamaica. He was also a training officer at the Barbados National Productivity Council.

Commenting on the appointment, MMS Group founder and now past CEO Hinchcliffe says job one for Gittens is to chart a course for the future.

Since its founding more than three decades ago, the company has grown beyond its cleaning services to a varied portfolio that includes sales and distribution, business services and training.

“Going forward, Manpower needs a leader who can continue to bring vision and strategic thinking to its operations, always mindful of the ever-changing marketplace and the accompanying challenges. We believe that someone with his qualifications, experience, and accomplishments is equal to the task,” Hinchcliffe said, adding that the new appointment is in keeping with the Manpower Group’s restructuring exercises, succession planning, and the 20-year growth plan agreed by the board of directors.

Gittens, who took up his new position on Monday, says he plans to expand the business.

“Manpower is well known, but many don’t know the extent of the things we can do. We want companies to begin to look at us as a strategic partner, not just a cleaning partner. Sure, we’re on your building doing janitorial, but equally, we could be training staff and helping to upgrade processes,” he said.

neville.graham@gleanerjm.com