Dr Brian Langrin appointed new Bank of Jamaica Governor

Dr. R. Brian Langrin will assume the role of Governor of the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) on Wednesday, taking over from Richard Byles, whose seven-year term concludes Tuesday. The Governor-General in Council made the appointment following a selection process led by a committee that evaluated both local and international candidates.

Langrin brings a wealth of experience, spanning more than two decades in central banking, financial stability, and multilateral development. He has previously held senior positions within the BOJ, focusing on financial stability and economic research. His international experience includes serving as a Financial Stability Adviser at the IMF-administered Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Center (CARTAC). Langrin earned his PhD in Economics from Pennsylvania State University and has a notable record of publications on financial stability and monetary policy.

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Dr Brian Langrin is a forward-looking leader whose experience spans Jamaica, the Caribbean and the wider international development community. His deep understanding of monetary policy, financial stability, innovation, regional partnerships and international cooperation will serve Jamaica well as we navigate a rapidly changing global economy.

Finance and the Public Service Minister Fayval Williams expressed her approval of the appointment, characterizing Langrin as a forward-thinking leader with extensive experience across Jamaica, the Caribbean, and the global development sector. Williams highlighted that his expertise in monetary policy, financial stability, innovation, and international cooperation will be invaluable as Jamaica navigates the complexities of a rapidly evolving global economy.

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The Government reaffirms its full commitment to the independence of the Bank of Jamaica and to the continuity of the sound monetary and financial policies that have anchored our economic stability.

"Dr Brian Langrin is a forward-looking leader whose experience spans Jamaica, the Caribbean and the wider international development community. His deep understanding of monetary policy, financial stability, innovation, regional partnerships and international cooperation will serve Jamaica well as we navigate a rapidly changing global economy," Williams stated. She also reaffirmed the government's commitment to the BOJ's independence and the continuation of sound economic policies.

Langrin himself expressed his honor in serving Jamaica during this critical period. He pledged to uphold the BOJ's credibility and independence, maintain low and stable inflation, and modernize the financial system. "It is an honour to serve Jamaica at this pivotal moment. I look forward to working with the BOJ team, the financial sector and our regional and international partners to strengthen monetary and financial stability, deepen resilience and support Jamaica’s long-term development," he said. He added, "I am committed to preserving the Bank’s hard-won credibility and independence, to keeping inflation low and stable, and to advancing the modernisation of our financial system for the benefit of every Jamaican."

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It is an honour to serve Jamaica at this pivotal moment. I look forward to working with the BOJ team, the financial sector and our regional and international partners to strengthen monetary and financial stability, deepen resilience and support Jamaica’s long-term development.

The government also extended its gratitude to outgoing Governor Richard Byles for his leadership since August 2019. Byles' tenure saw the BOJ manage monetary policy through significant global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, a global inflation surge, and natural disasters like Hurricane Beryl and Hurricane Melissa, as well as an oil shock. During his leadership, the BOJ enhanced its inflation-targeting framework, maintained financial stability, and achieved full statutory independence.

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I am committed to preserving the Bank’s hard-won credibility and independence, to keeping inflation low and stable, and to advancing the modernisation of our financial system for the benefit of every Jamaican.