Mary Joanna Marsden is a dynamic entrepreneur and executive leader with a proven track record of transforming ideas into thriving enterprises across retail, advertising, manufacturing, hospitality, and human rights advocacy. With decades of international experience spanning Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean, she has repeatedly driven multimillion-dollar revenue growth, pioneered industry-shaping concepts, and inspired teams to achieve breakthrough results.

Her career is marked by bold innovation — from establishing IKEA’s presence in Canada to revolutionizing retail with Bijoux Terner Caribbean Ltd., which grew into a 20-store chain generating $55M annually. As Executive Director of the Caribbean Centre for Human Rights, she now channels her leadership expertise toward advocacy, advancing equity and systemic reform throughout the region.

Entrepreneurial Milestones & Impact

· B-Iconic Caribbean Ltd. (Founder & CEO): Built and scaled a pioneering retail brand, expanding to 20 stores across the Caribbean (including Atlantis, Bahamas). Secured $1.5M in financing and grew profitability by 350%,.
· Sissons Paints Ltd. (President): Created the innovative “Color Shop” retail model, transforming consumer purchasing behavior. Increased sales from $17M to $50M while quadrupling profitability.
· Trinidad Express Newspapers (General Manager): Reinvented media strategy by launching targeted magazines for women, business, and sports, tripling sales and profitability within five years.
· AMPLE Advertising (CEO): Elevated the agency to industry leadership through bold, creative campaigns that set new standards in the Caribbean market.
· Hospitality Ventures (Founder): Launched La Vinya, a European wine bar, and The Pub, a craft beer experience — opening four locations within one month.
· Hunkemöller (Franchise Owner): Introduced Europe’s #1 lingerie brand to Trinidad, driving rapid market penetration.
· IKEA Canada (Founding Team Member): Part of the pioneering team that established IKEA in Canada, opening four stores before successfully selling the franchise back to the parent company at a significant profit.

Leadership in Advocacy & Change

Currently serving as Executive Director of the Caribbean Centre for Human Rights, Marsden blends entrepreneurial drive with purpose-driven leadership. She is spearheading regional policy advocacy, securing funding partnerships, and shaping programs that address equity, justice, and systemic transformation.
Recognized for her dependability and innovative spirit, Mary Joanna Marsden is a catalyst for growth and transformation — building impactful ventures, shaping industries, and driving social change.