The marketing and business community of Saint Lucia has another reason to celebrate, as Ms. Agnes Francis, Managing Director of Accela Marketing, has been awarded the prestigious designation of Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (FCIM). The highest level of professional recognition conferred by the globally respected organization.
This distinguished honour reflects more than two decades of leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing marketing excellence across Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean. Throughout her accomplished career, Ms. Francis has consistently demonstrated a passion for strategic growth, brand development, tourism advancement, and professional excellence.
A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing is recognized for making an outstanding contribution to the marketing profession while demonstrating exceptional leadership and influence. Through this achievement, she joins an elite international network of marketing leaders who have helped shape industry standards and drive meaningful change within their respective markets.
Ms. Francis, Managing Director of Accela Marketing, an award-winning company with a physical presence in all OECS islands and affiliates in the other Caribbean islands, providing advertising, public relations, branding, market research, digital marketing, event management and strategic communications services to public and private sector organizations throughout the Caribbean and internationally. She also leads a business consultancy firm specializing in tourism, marketing, and management services.
Her extensive professional experience includes serving as Saint Lucia's first female Director of Tourism, where she was responsible for the management and coordination of the island's tourism marketing, public relations, and product development initiatives. From July 2016 to July 2018, she also served as Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Saint Lucia Tourist Board, guiding its successful transition to the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. She was also tasked as Chairperson and led the establishment of the Events Company of Saint Lucia.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ms. Francis has made significant contributions to national and regional development through her service on numerous statutory and private sector boards, including the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, the Saint Lucia Tourist Board, Sports Saint Lucia Inc., the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association, and Saint Lucia's investment promotion agency, where she served as Chairperson.
Her commitment to professional development, ethical marketing practices, regional collaboration, and mentorship has helped inspire and guide a new generation of Caribbean marketing professionals. She is also an internationally Certified Management Consultant (CMC), a Project Management Professional (PMP), and holds a bachelor’s degree in management studies and a master’s degree in Tourism Planning and Development. In addition, she is proficient in both Spanish and French.
As Saint Lucia continues to strengthen its position in regional and international markets, Ms. Francis' achievement serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of visionary leadership, lifelong learning, and the transformative impact of strategic marketing.
The Secretariat extends heartfelt congratulations to Ms. AgnesFrancis, FCIM, on this remarkable accomplishment and wishes her continued success as she continues to elevate the marketing profession and inspire excellence throughout the Caribbean.