DAENIA ASHPOLE assumed leadership of the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) in September 2026. Throughout her professional life, she has amassed extensive experience in public sector leadership, international trade and investment, policy development, corporate governance, regulatory administration and entrepreneurship.
She previously served as Director of Trade in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, where her responsibilities included contributing to Jamaica’s international trade policy and trade-facilitation agenda and representing Jamaica in engagements relating to regional and international trade.
Ms. Ashpole has also served as Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Cannabis Licensing Authority, giving her direct experience in the executive leadership of a public body, including organisational management, stakeholder engagement and regulatory administration.
Her governance experience includes service on public sector Boards, including the Trade Board Limited, where she has served in senior governance roles, and the Consumer Affairs Commission.
Importantly, Ms. Ashpole is an entrepreneur. As a co-founder of a Jamaican business, she understands many of the practical realities confronting entrepreneurs, including building a brand, identifying markets, managing operations and growing an enterprise.
Ms. Ashpole holds a Master of Science in International Trade Policy, with Distinction, from The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, and a Bachelor of Science in International Relations and Spanish from The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.
