Barbadian national Katherine Payne has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Digicel (Barbados) Ltd.
In a release early this week, the company confirmed the appointment took effect on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
Digicel explained, “Payne brings more than two decades of experience in telecommunications, with a strong track record across operations, commercial performance and organisational leadership. Most recently, she served as Head of Digicel Business Transformation, where she led restructuring efforts across the business, improving performance and delivering instrumental service enhancements to our customers.”
Marcelo Cataldo, Chief Executive Officer of Digicel Group, said: “Katherine is a class act and deeply respected in the business community. She knows this business and the Barbados market, and has been central to improving how we operate. We are fortunate to be able to look within our own organisation and appoint someone of Katherine’s calibre to lead the business in Barbados.”
Payne said in the release: “Digicel has long played an important role in Barbados, and I am proud to take on this responsibility. Our focus is clear: to deliver reliable, high-quality connectivity, innovative solutions, strengthen our relationships across the country, and continue to evolve in line with our customers’ needs.
“I look forward to working with our team in Barbados and across the Group to build on the strong foundation already in place.”
Prior to her appointment, Payne held senior leadership roles across Digicel Business, including Director of Operations, where she was responsible for revenue growth, major national contract renewals, and improvements in customer experience.
A Barbadian national, Ms Payne has built her career across Barbados and the region, leading large, cross-functional teams and improving how the business operates.
Payne succeeds Natalie Abrahams, who stepped down from the role at the end of March. In the release, Digicel thanked Abrahams for her contribution and leadership during her tenure.
