The West Indian Company Dock in St. Thomas. By. ERNICE GILBERT, V.I. CONSORTIUM
The West Indian Company Limited (WICO), in an Oct. 16 letter addressed to employees, announced the departure of President and CEO Anthony Ottley.
Ottley, who has served in his role for the past four years, will remain as interim CEO while the company initiates the search for a new leader, effective November 1, 2024. The letter, obtained by the Consortium, said the move is part of a strategic effort by WICO to align with the evolving demands of the competitive cruise industry and explore new revenue streams.
In July 2019, Anthony Ottley was appointed interim CEO following the abrupt dismissal of former CEO Clifford Graham. WICO board chairman at the time, Joseph Boschulte, had confirmed that the board had not yet begun the search for a permanent replacement, with no apparent urgency to fill the position as Ottley assumed his interim role. Ottley, previously WICO’s director of property management, stepped into the role and has continued to lead the company since.
In the letter, chairman Jason Charles expressed the Board of Directors' appreciation for Ottley’s diligent leadership and extended gratitude to all WICO staff for their dedication.
The board said it will focus on ensuring a smooth transition and engaging its employees throughout the process of seeking new leadership. The company’s vision includes reshaping operations to meet the needs of a dynamic cruise market and positioning the organization to seize future opportunities.
Charles also emphasized that all employees will have the opportunity to contribute to WICO’s strategic planning in the coming weeks, through surveys, focus groups, and departmental meetings. "Your active participation and the sharing of your ideas are crucial as we aim to build upon our past successes and adapt to the evolving needs of our market and community," he said.
