UWI Global Campus appoints (Ag) Chief Financial Officer

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Global Campus has announced the appointment of Mr. Darren Leon as its Chief Financial Officer for the academic year 2025/2026, effective August 1, 2025. UWI released a statement marking this as his formal assumption of the role, following a temporary appointment earlier in 2024 from January to March, during which he demonstrated strong leadership in financial governance.

Leon’s association with the Global Campus  reportedly began on October 12, 2020, when he was appointed as Financial Manager for Treasury and Risk Management within the Office of Finance in Trinidad and Tobago. Bringing over 17 years of comprehensive experience across various sectors—including financial management, retail operations, hedge fund accounting, merchant banking, and financial control—he has established a notable record of achieving objectives in both local and international contexts.

According to the University, before assuming his current responsibilities, Leon held the position of Financial Controller at Rentokil-Initial (Trinidad) Limited, a subsidiary of the UK-based Rentokil Initial Group. In this capacity, he played a key role in driving revenue growth, profitability, and cash flow management for the Trinidad and Tobago division, while ensuring adherence to risk management protocols and regulatory standards in line with local legislation and corporate policies of Rentokil Initial UK Group. His professional background also includes senior finance roles at organizations such as ANSA Merchant Bank in Trinidad, BML Do It Best Corp in Turks and Caicos Islands, and Citi Hedge Fund Services at Citigroup in Bermuda.

A Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA) since 2011 and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Trinidad and Tobago (ICATT), Leon possesses substantial expertise in financial planning, risk mitigation, and treasury functions. The release further states that he actively contributes to professional development initiatives and has occasionally served as a guest instructor for financial management courses at the Global Campus’s Bahamas site.

According to Dr. Francis O. Severin, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Global Campus, Mr. Leon’s appointment comes at a pivotal time of organizational transformation, which includes initiatives such as the Rightsizing Strategy, the creation of the International School for Development Justice (ISDJ), and the ongoing process of re-accreditation. Dr. Severin emphasized that his selection reflects confidence in Leon’s capabilities and experience. He also highlighted that, beyond his technical skills, Leon brings a high level of social capital and emotional intelligence, fostering a collaborative and positive working environment.

The leadership team at the Global Campus stated that it extends its congratulations to Mr. Leon and wishes him success in his new role.