The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA) announced on Monday the appointment of Shafia T.T. London as its new CEO, effective July 1, saying the distinguished business and civic leader will spearhead its ongoing efforts to strengthen, modernise, and sustainably grow the country’s tourism sector.
London brings to the role nearly two decades of progressive, transformative leadership at both the local and regional levels.
London laid the foundation for her career in local economic development as Executive Director of the SVG Chamber of Industry and Commerce. From there, she built a highly successful corporate career, beginning as the marketing manager at St. Vincent Brewery Ltd and ultimately rising to senior regional leadership.
She also advanced to executive roles within the Banks Holdings Limited Group in Barbados (parent company of Banks Breweries and PINEHILL Dairy), serving successively as group marketing manager, group commercial manager, and country head.
As country head for AB InBev, the world’s largest brewer, she oversaw multi-market operations across Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Dominica, driving revenue growth and market expansion.
Her strategic insight and operational excellence earned her the title of Top ABI Business Leader in the Caribbean and Latin America in 2022.
Following a merger and acquisition, London served as general manager within the SLU Group of Companies (a member of the KOSCAB group), leading operational performance and business transformation initiatives.
Most recently, she served as first vice president of the Barbados Manufacturing Association and SVG’s technical representative to the Caribbean Private Sector Organization.
“Her vast corporate leadership experience will be instrumental in supporting the SVGTA’s efforts to build stronger partnerships, attract investment, and operate with greater commercial discipline,” a press release said.
In addition to her corporate success, London is an active entrepreneur.
“This firsthand experience in building and managing enterprises will uniquely inform her approach to strengthening linkages between tourism and local businesses, particularly small and medium-sized operators,” the release further stated.
In outlining her approach to the role, London emphasised a focus on execution and measurable impact.
“Together with the minister, board and team at the SVGTA, my immediate focus as CEO is to transform our destination as a brand, elevate our marketing strategies, and forge stronger alliances with local, regional and international stakeholders,” London said as she outlined her key priorities as CEO
“Attracting and bringing visitors and investors is part of the mission. Just as crucially, we must enhance the on-island experience for every visitor while expanding opportunities for local communities — ensuring the economic benefits of tourism are felt widely and equitably.”
The SVGTA Board of Directors noted that London’s unique combination of marketing and commercial expertise, entrepreneurial insight, and regional exposure positions her perfectly to lead the Authority during a time of immense opportunity and transformation for the sector, the release said.
London holds a Master of Business Administration with distinction from the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill; a Master of Science in biochemical engineering from University College London; and a First-Class Honours Bachelor of Science from UWI, St. Augustine.
She is currently pursuing a doctor of business administration.
London is an alumna of Langley Park Government School and St. Vincent Girls’ High School, a 2003 national scholarship recipient, and a recipient of multiple awards for academic excellence.
“Beyond her professional and academic achievements, she remains deeply committed to community service. She is a past President of the Rotary Club of St. Vincent — the first female to hold the position. She actively supports a range of youth and social development initiatives. Her contributions to the community are widely acknowledged, even earning her a GTM Regional Unsung Hero Recognition,” the release said.
London, who is originally from Dickson Village, is the daughter of the late popular talk show host EG Lynch and Millicent Johnson.
She is the wife of former attorney general Grenville Williams and the mother of two sons.
“Under her leadership, with both business expertise and heart for the community, the SVGTA is expected to enter a dynamic new phase of growth, elevating the destination’s global profile while ensuring tourism serves as a powerful engine for local economic development,” the release said.
The SVGTA is responsible for promoting and developing tourism across St. Vincent and the Grenadines, working to position the destination competitively in regional and international markets.