Latest news with #strategicgrowth
Travel Daily News
17 hours ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Carey International appoints new Chief Executive Officer
Carey International appoints Alexander Mirza as CEO, succeeding Mitchell Lahr, to drive strategic growth and innovation in luxury ground transportation. PHOENIX – Carey International, a renowned global provider of premium chauffeured services and ground transportation solutions and a portfolio company of The Najafi Companies, announced the appointment of Alexander Mirza as Chief Executive Officer. As CEO, Mirza will be responsible for strategic, operational and financial leadership of the company. Mirza will take over from Mitchell Lahr, who is retiring from Carey after nearly 25 years of leadership. Lahr will work closely with Mirza to ensure a smooth transition over the next few months. Lahr has had long tenure with Carey, joining the company in 2001 as its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and in February 2020, just prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was named to the role of President and Chief Executive Officer. 'Serving as the CEO of Carey has been the most tremendous experience in my professional career,' said Lahr. 'Carey has long been the respected and established leader in the industry, and I am confident that the company's future is especially promising. Alex will do an exceptional job leading the way.' With global experience in leading and growing luxury hospitality brands, Mirza brings a deep understanding of both U.S. and international markets and their complexities. He excels at building trust through consistent, world class customer experiences, supporting franchise relationships, and technological innovation. 'Carey's reputation for excellence leads the industry, and I am hugely excited to now be part of its legacy. My aim is to merge data-driven strategy with the refined demands of the luxury market, delivering innovative solutions that drive sustainable growth and enhance client experience,' said Mirza. Mirza has more than 25 years' experience as a multidisciplinary executive with organizations rooted in technology, hospitality, travel, entertainment and consulting. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School and recently completed the executive program in artificial intelligence and innovation through the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Zawya
28-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: Continental Reinsurance Group announces key leadership transitions to drive strategic growth
Continental Reinsurance Group has announced several key leadership changes that reflect the company's continued evolution into a pan-African holding structure and its commitment to robust governance and strategic growth. In the latest appointments, Mr Lawrence Nazare has been named Group Managing Director of Continental Reinsurance Holdings, headquartered in Botswana. His transition follows the completion of his tenure as Managing Director/CEO of Continental Reinsurance Plc, Nigeria, in December 2024. In this new capacity, Mr Nazare will oversee the Group's pan-African operations and long-term strategic direction. Joining him on the Board of Continental Reinsurance Holdings are two distinguished Non-Executive Directors: Mr Paul Kokoricha, former Chairman of Continental Reinsurance Plc, now appointed Chairman of the Board at Group level, and Mr Steve Iwenjora, formerly a Non-Executive Director at Continental Reinsurance Plc, who has now been appointed a Non-Executive Director at Group level. According to the company, these appointments reinforce the Group's leadership as it executes the next phase of regional integration and strategic oversight. Reflecting on his transition to the Group Board, Mr Kokoricha said, 'It has been an honour to serve as Chairman of Continental Reinsurance Plc, Nigeria, where we achieved significant milestones in growth and governance. As we now pivot to a consolidated Group structure, I am excited to continue supporting the company at this higher level—working with the leadership team to sustain our pan-African momentum and long-term ambition.' Mr Nazare added, 'It's been a privilege to lead our Nigeria business and support the broader Group's evolution. As I now focus fully on the Group-level role, I remain committed to driving Continental Re's strategic vision across Africa.' To lead the Nigeria entity in charge of Anglophone West Africa operations, Dr Fatai Kayode Lawal has been appointed Managing Director/CEO of Continental Reinsurance Plc, Nigeria, effective April 2025. Dr Fatai Kayode Lawal brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Insurance from the University of Lagos, an MBA from the same institution, and a Doctorate in Management (Leadership and Organisational Management) from the University of Phoenix, Arizona. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute of London and Nigeria (FCII, FIIN). He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Directors. Dr Lawal's impressive career includes his most recent position as Managing Director/Chief Executive of Sterling Assurance Nigeria Ltd from January 2007 to December 2023, where he successfully integrated three merging companies and significantly grew sales. Prior to this, he served as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Universe Reinsurance Co. Limited, where he improved profitability and expanded markets. His earlier career also includes a leadership role at Refuge Insurance Company Limited and a pioneering management role at Continental Reinsurance Co. Ltd. Dr Lawal has a proven track record in leadership, strategic development, market expansion, and team building. Strengthening the Nigeria Board, the Nigeria entity also welcomes three new Non-Executive Directors, whose appointments have received regulatory clearance from the National Insurance Commission: Mr Segun Adebanji – Chairman of the Board, Non-Executive Director. Mr Adebanji is a veteran finance professional and Fellow of both the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. His international career includes leadership positions within UAC, Unilever, Nigerian Breweries, and Heineken, with postings in South Africa, Ghana, Namibia, and the Netherlands. He currently chairs Fidson Healthcare Plc and Filmhouse Group Ltd. Mrs Funmilayo Omokhodion – Non-Executive Director. A Chartered Insurer with 36 years of experience in reinsurance, Mrs Omokhodion rose through the ranks at Africa Re, serving as Regional Director for West Africa and in other senior roles. She holds a BA in English and Linguistics and an Executive MBA in Insurance, and is a member of the Council of the Africa Reinsurance Foundation. Mrs Eno Atoyebi, CFA – Non-Executive Director. With over 25 years in investment management, Mrs Atoyebi is a Chartered Financial Analyst and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. She is currently the Managing Director of ValuAlliance Asset Management and oversees strategy for two mutual funds, and her earlier experience includes senior roles at Afrinvest and ExxonMobil. These appointments coincide with Continental Re's 40th anniversary, a milestone that reflects the Group's enduring legacy, resilience, and readiness for the future. The management said that with a strong leadership team in place across both Group and operational levels, Continental Reinsurance is well-positioned to deepen its impact across Africa's reinsurance landscape. ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Associated Press
21-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Libertas Funding Names John Paradisi as President and Chief Operating Officer
Seasoned financial leader brings 25+ years of experience to drive operational excellence and strategic growth GREENWICH, CT / ACCESS Newswire / May 21, 2025 / Libertas Funding, LLC, a leading provider of revenue-based financing and term loan solutions for small and medium-sized businesses, today announced the appointment of John Paradisi as its new president and chief operating officer (COO) and member of the board of directors. Paradisi will oversee the company's core business functions and play a pivotal role in advancing Libertas' strategic initiatives as it continues to scale its national footprint. Paradisi joins Libertas with more than 25 years of leadership experience across commercial and consumer banking, specialty lending, and capital markets. Most recently, he served as executive vice president and chief specialty banking officer at City National Bank of Florida, where he led the growth and expansion of several key business segments. He also served as the bank's chief strategy officer, playing a key leadership role in shaping City National Bank's growth strategy, working cross-functionally to support expansion into new products and markets resulting in the organization growing total assets from $18 billion to more than $26 billion in just four years. Previously, Paradisi spent 17 years at CIT Bank, where he held various senior leadership roles across consumer banking, commercial banking, corporate strategy, M&A, and business development. His most recent role at CIT was chief strategy growth officer and head of business development and partnerships. In his role as president and COO, Paradisi will report directly to Gary Katcher, executive chairman of Libertas, and will join the board of directors. He will oversee several key departments, including strategy, information technology & operations, compliance, capital markets, human resources, institutional sales, marketing, and data analytics. 'We are excited to welcome John to Libertas. He brings an exceptional blend of operational expertise and strategic vision that will be critical as we enter our next phase of growth,' said Gary Katcher, executive chairman of Libertas. Randy Saluck, chief executive officer of Libertas, added, 'John's leadership will strengthen our internal capabilities and further position us as an innovative leader in the specialty finance industry.' Libertas continues to invest in top-tier talent to support its mission of delivering fast, flexible financing solutions tailored to the evolving needs of small and medium-sized business owners across the U.S. About Libertas Funding Libertas Funding, LLC is a leading financial technology firm based in Greenwich, Connecticut, offering revenue-based financing and working capital solutions to small and medium-sized businesses nationwide. Leveraging advanced data analytics and a streamlined underwriting process, Libertas provides fast, reliable funding to help businesses grow and thrive. Web: *Term Loans are issued by WebBank and serviced by Libertas pursuant to our partnership with the Bank. Media contact: Henry Stimpson, [email protected] SOURCE: Libertas Funding, LLC press release
