Mr. Leighton Smith’s relationship with VM Group began in 1995 serving in varying capacities before leaving the organisation in 2005. In 2010, he rejoined the family serving as the Manager for the Duke Street Branch. His drive for success combined with excellent performance saw him moving through the ranks and being promoted to the Assistant Vice President, Sales & Service in 2013 and advancing to the post of Chief Representative Officer for the VMBS Representative Office in the United Kingdom, in December of that year. 

In 2014, he was appointed as a Director of VM Finance Limited, a UK subsidiary of the VM Group and in 2018, his role was expanded to include oversight and responsibility for VM’s operations in the Diaspora, including offices in the United States and outreach activities in Canada. This resulted in his promotion to the level of Vice President in 2021. In 2023, with the restructuring of the VM Group, his position was upgraded to that of Chief Executive Officer, VM Finance Limited and Overseas Offices.

Mr. Smith completed his Masters in Business Administration at the University of New Orleans and his Bachelors in Business Administration and Management at the University of Technology. He is a certified Job Evaluator and Trainer in Culture Change. Mr. Smith also holds certificates in Project Management, Jamaican Securities as well as a Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CeMAP) in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Smith’s commitment to Jamaica has seen him lead VM’s corporate social responsibility charge in the Diaspora markets, supporting several charities, committees, associations and initiatives of Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica. He is known as a ‘man of his word’ and one ‘who leads from the front’.