PM Browne appoints Financial Guru Martin Franklin as Special Economic Envoy

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – 31 December, 2014……….International financial guru, Martin Ellis Franklin, has been appointed as a Special Economic Envoy of Antigua and Barbuda by Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne.
 
Martin Franklin, who is the son of Sir Roland Franklin of Jumby Bay, has been visiting Antigua and Barbuda for over thirty-years and is widely known across north America in the investment and executive management fields.
 
“My government feels that Mr. Franklin is strategically placed to attract a wide range of investments to Antigua and Barbuda.  His management and representation of dozens of consumer product companies in North America we believe can be beneficial to my government achieving our vision of making Antigua and Barbuda and economic powerhouse within the region,” Prime Minister Browne noted.
 
Prime Minister Browne also paid tribute to Sir Roland Franklin, one of the pioneers of Jumby Bay, whom he said has been a long standing friend of Antigua and Barbuda and a benefactor of many individuals and institutions within our state.  
 
“Sir Roland has over the years demonstrated his commitment to his adopted homeland and it is fitting that his son is coming onboard with our administration to lend his expertise to further develop our capacity to provide for our people,” PM Browne added.
 
Mr. Franklin (listed as one of the richest men in the world by Forbes) is Founder and Executive Chairman of Jarden Corporation. Prior to taking his current role in 2011, he had served as Chairman and Chief Executive of the Company since its 2001 inception. Mr. Franklin has an outstanding track record of creating and building successful businesses for the long term. He also is Founder and Chairman of Platform Specialty Products Corporation and a principal and executive officer of a number of private investment entities. In the last five years, Mr. Franklin has served on the public Boards of Promotora de Informaciones S.A., Kenneth Cole Productions and GLG Inc. Between 1992 and 2000, he served as Chairman and/or Chief Executive Officer of three public companies, Benson Eyecare Corporation, Lumen Technologies, Inc. and Bollé Inc. Mr. Franklin also serves as a director of Burger King Worldwide, Inc. 
 
Antigua and Barbuda’s Consul General in Miami, Ambassador Gilbert Boustany, who formalized the working relationship between the government and Martin Franklin said that he will also provide assistance in certain areas in the government’s debt restructuring and management along with attracting investors in the financial services market.
 
Martin Franklin manages over 35, 000 employees and is connected to fifty-two board members in dozens of different organizations across thirty different industries. (Ends)
 
   

Maurice F. Merchant
Director-General of Communications & 
Chairperson
Prime Minister's Scholarship Committee
Office of the Prime Minister
Queen Elizabeth Highway
St. John's 
Antigua
Telephone: 268.462.9766
Fax: 268.462.3225
Email: maurice.merchant@ab.gov.ag
Merchantmf@aol.com