Robert Levy joined Jamaica Broilers at age 19 in 1959, one year after the official formation of the company. During his first year at Jamaica Broilers, he fast-tracked his knowledge of the operation by working in three key areas: the Field Department, the Hatchery and the Processing Plant. By 1978, he had assumed the critical post of Director of Development, putting him in charge of directing the company towards becoming a model, vertically-integrated entity that would take its place as one of the Caribbean’s leading agro-industrial organizations.
After being appointed to the post of joint CEO in 1994, Robert Levy assumed the position of President and CEO of the Jamaica Broilers Group of Companies in 2001. During his tenure, the Group realized significant increase in profits and, in the more recent past when the Group expanded into the production of ethanol, Jamaica Broilers Group Ltd. also saw substantial growth in its operations.
The new Jamaica Broilers Group Chairman is a graduate of the Harvard Business School, where he completed the Owner/President Management Programme. He received his earlier education at DeCarteret College and Jamaica College.
Robert Levy, an excellent communicator, is able to speak as effectively with farmers, who are pivotal to the success of his business, as he can with leaders in both the private and public sectors. This ability comes from an innate love of people – a love that is rooted in his strong belief in God. Known for his philanthropy, Robert Levy believes his organization is blessed and this serves as the driving force behind his desire to give back to society.
He serves in several capacities, including working as Chairman of the Board of the Sugar Company of Jamaica, Director of the Board of Kings House Foundation, Director of Regent University – Virginia, Director of the Caribbean Poultry Association, Chairman of the National Foundation for the Development of Science and Technology and Director of Back to the Bible Broadcast (Jamaica). A longstanding member of the Jamaica Agricultural Society, he is also a Past President of the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM), former Chairman of Jamaica Exotic Flavours and Essences Co. Ltd. and of Moorlands Camps Limited and has served in the past as a Director of the Board of the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf, as well as a Director of the Rotary Club.
In October 2002, Robert Levy was awarded the National Honour of the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD) for his contribution to the development of the livestock industry in Jamaica. On March 29, 2008, he received the honorary degree of Master of Arts Honoris Causa from the Caribbean Graduate School of Theology in recognition of his exemplary life as a family man, in business, in church and in the society at large. In August 2009, Robert Levy was conferred with an Honorary Degree – Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) from the Northern Caribbean University for his significant contribution to nation building.
Robert Levy has been married to Judy since 1964 and they have four children – Christopher, Wendy, Amanda and Stephen.