Long time Dart Group employee John Papesh will leave the company this week to pursue his own business interests in Europe.
The company announced Jeff Lombardo would take over Mr. Papesh’s media relations responsibilities, while other aspects of Mr. Papesh’s job will be split among three other people.
Mr. Papesh said the decision to leave was not easy.
‘I leave on excellent terms,’ he said. ‘This is part of the reason why my decision to leave is so difficult. The Dart Group has been nothing but good to me.’
Mr. Lombardo, who has been with the Dart Group for a year and a half and who also serves as Dart Realty’s leasing manager, said he was excited about his new responsibilities.
‘I take it as a challenge and I look forward to it,’ said the 42-year-old Michigan native.
Here with his wife, the father of three daughters said he enjoys the people aspect of his leasing manager’s job, and that he looks forward to dealing with the media as well.
Mr. Lombardo is excited about the Camana Bay development, a primary project of the Dart Group in Cayman.
‘They are building an incredible project,’ he said. ‘They’ve got a great management team and a solid group of people involved.’
Dart Cayman Managing Director Mark VanDevelde announced that Marion Wilson would now handle all queries with regard to donations and requests from the Dart Foundation.
‘Marion is very familiar with the Dart Foundation, having worked closely with John in this area,’ he said.
Khrista Parchment will assist Ms Wilson in processing and responding to Dart Foundation requests, Mr. VanDevelde said.
In another move coinciding by Mr. Papesh’s resignation, Daniel Cummings is being promoted to Creative Services Manager.
‘Since joining us in 2003, Daniel Cummings has demonstrated his skills and talents in all areas of graphic design,’ said Mr. VanDevelde.
Mr. Cummings promotion takes effect 20 October and he will report directly to Dart Realty vice president of sales Jackie Doak.
Mr. VanDevelde said he would personally handle communications from government ministers, officials or governmental agencies. Mrs. Doak will handle those responsibilities should Mr. VanDevelde’s be absent.
Mr. Papesh has worked for the Dart Group for nearly 10 years, but he said it was time to move on.
‘I have always wanted to own my own business,’ he said. ‘I am leaving to follow my dream and start a company.’
When he relocates in Europe, Mr. Papesh said he will be the managing director of a company that provides marketing, public relations and publishing services to the tourist, real estate, retail and financial industries.
Mr. Papesh said he has immensely enjoyed his time with the Dart Group.
‘Words cannot describe the wonderful experiences and memories I take with me. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will always be grateful for. It has been an honour and privilege to serve the Dart Group.’
Mr. Papesh said he has left the door open and could return to the Dart Group some day.
‘You never know how things will work out,’ he said.
Although he is excited about starting a new chapter in his life, Mr. Papesh said he will miss Cayman.
‘I leave behind nothing but great friendships and wonderful memories,’ he said. ‘Cayman has always been so good to me. From the people, climate, culture, diversity and lifestyle, I have been blessed to have lived here.
‘I plan to visit frequently and, down the road one day, perhaps move back to these beautiful islands.’
Mr. Papesh said he was able to accomplish a lot in his time with Dart in Cayman.
‘When I first arrived, I recall their being some misinformation or no information on the Dart Group,’ he said. ‘I am confident in saying the Dart’s are [now] better known and have a strong reputation in the Cayman Islands as being good corporate citizens in the community.’
Mr. VanDevelde expressed his best wishes to Mr. Papesh.
‘I’ve had the privilege of knowing John for many years now, both on a personal and professional level,’ he said. ‘John’s contributions, especially in his capacity as the head of our public affairs department, cannot be overstated.
‘His professional input and contributions as a senior manager will be missed.’
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