Adam Stewart is CNW’s Businessman/Philanthropist of the Year for 2025

Published on February 24, 2026

Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, Adam Stewart, has been named Businessman Philanthropist of the Year for 2025 by the regional news publication, Caribbean National Weekly (CNW).

The publication recognised Stewart for his leadership in hospitality, his ongoing investments in regional tourism, his steady crisis response and his philanthropic work throughout what it described as a year filled with both remarkable achievements and significant challenges.

CNW highlighted how 2025 saw industry recognition for Stewart, major announcements of multimillion dollar developments across his all-inclusive luxury resort brands and an invitation to join the prestigious Wall Street Journal CEO Council. But the publication said his impact extended well beyond business milestones. “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.