Executive chairman of Sandals Resorts, Adam Stewart, has been named Businessman/Philanthropist of the Year for 2025 by regional news publication, Caribbean National Weekly (CNW).
According to a release from Sandals, the publication recognised Stewart for his leadership in hospitality, ongoing investments in regional tourism, steady crisis response and philanthropic work throughout what it described as a year filled with both remarkable achievements and significant challenges.
During 2025, Stewart announced multimillion‑dollar developments across his all‑inclusive luxury resort brands and also received an invitation to join the prestigious Wall Street Journal CEO Council.
“In 2025, the executive chairman of Sandals Resorts didn’t just guide his iconic hospitality empire through crisis – he used its scale and influence to help shape Jamaica’s rebound and lay groundwork for future regional growth,” CNW wrote.
The defining moment, it said, came in late October when Hurricane Melissa caused severe damage to parts of Jamaica’s tourism infrastructure. Stewart responded by leading transparent communication with global travel advisors, partners and team members, and made a landmark pledge that 100 per cent of Sandals and Beaches’ employees would remain on payroll and receive Christmas bonuses, even at resorts temporarily closed for extensive restoration and upgrades. The company also committed more than US$3 million in staff recovery aid, providing direct support to families affected by the storm.
CNW further highlighted the work of the Sandals Foundation under Stewart’s guidance, noting record levels of community engagement and targeted disaster‑recovery support in healthcare, livelihoods and the environment.
In response to the honour, Stewart said he was “deeply humbled” to receive the award and expressed his gratitude to his teams and partners for their dedication during an extraordinary year.
“This award reflects far more than any one individual. It is a direct result of people showing up every day for their communities and believing business is a force for good.
“It belongs to the extraordinary teams who carry our shared vision forward – especially the Sandals Foundation, whose work continues to create lasting change across education, health care, disaster relief and environmental stewardship,” Stewart said.
“To every colleague and partner who helps bring this mission to life – thank you for your commitment, heart and belief.”
