Lois Sherwood
CHAIRMAN

Lois Sherwood defies the ordinary and rejects any notion of the impossible. For her, “can do” is the only way forward; a pervasive philosophy that now flows through RAL’s corporate ethos. Today, her family’s group of companies is sustained on the merits of hard work, tenacity and togetherness that Lois has set. A beacon of mental endurance and optimism that remains at the foundation of her family and her family’s business to this day, her generosity, encouragement and wisdom has nurtured a company culture that continues to thrive. 

A well-known artist who has maintained active involvement in fostering arts and culture in Jamaica, Lois has launched craft fairs and art training programmes, as well as spearheaded international cultural exchanges. She served as Director of Jamaica’s National Gallery for several years. By just being true to herself and her determination to succeed, Lois has helped pave the way for more female Caribbean entrepreneurs and artists to make their marks. She was appointed as a Justice of the Peace of St. Andrew by His Excellency the Governor General, and among several prestigious awards garnered over the years, in 2012 Lois received one of Jamaica’s highest appointments for her contribution to the country’s development, the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander.

Richard Lake
GROUP CEO

Richard Lake does not see success as a moment in time, but as a journey. It is the continuation of that journey and his ability to push through barriers and create measurable results that defines his success. As Group CEO, Richard oversees business interests across the group’s vertically connected portfolio of companies. Combined, the group employs over 1,500 people across three islands and achieves a group turnover that exceeds US$ 100 million per annum.

Richard studied mathematics at the University of Waterloo, and applies mathematical precision in his leadership of a cost-effective and lean operation that achieves both profitability and closely monitored strategic results. With a focus on employing the right people and implementing the right policies and procedures, he leads the charge in achieving the group’s mission to make Restaurant Associates Limited the largest quick service restaurant company in the region. He has been a modernizing force behind the group’s real estate business, and is a recipient of the prestigious Prime Minister’s Medal for his contribution to Low Cost Housing. He is also the youngest Past President of the Incorporated Masterbuilders’ Association of Jamaica in history. Richard has served on several boards of both public and private entities.

Frank Ventura
EXEECUTIVE DIRECTOR

As an Executive Director of Restaurants Associates Limited (RAL), Frank Ventura acts as the first point of contact for RAL’s franchisers. His natural ability to bridge gaps between cultures and personalities has made him RAL’s go-to person for strategic relationship building and management. With a keen eye over the company’s operations, Frank seamlessly connects RAL’s overseas clients with their brands’ on-the-ground performance.

Frank attended University of Western Ontario and is a graduate of Fanshawe College, London, Ontario. He has been an integral member of RAL’s executive team since 1989. Throughout the years, he has been involved in all aspects of the business. This affords him a fully-comprehensive understanding of the company’s inner workings. As a result, RAL relies on Frank’s positive leadership in projects spanning new developments, store openings and store re-modelling. His ability to connect departments and people across borders and job functions ensures seamless execution and strategic oversight.

Michael Lake
COMPANY SECRETARY

Michael Lake has over 30 years of practical experience that gives him a holistic view of property and real estate development from concept stage to operations. He is Director and Principal Architect at Michael Lake & Associates, and acts as RAL’s Company Secretary. One of Jamaica’s most esteemed architects, Michael enhances RAL’s level of efficiency and service by designing properties that minimize waste and operate with minimum maintenance. Through an intuitive, strategic and practical approach, he makes even the smallest restaurant spaces operationally equipped to deliver a high turn-over of products to customers with both service and profitability at the core.

Michael graduated from the University of Miami and has a solid track record in designing and managing a broad spectrum of residential and commercial properties. He is the Chairman of the Jamaica Developers Association and has served as a Director on key government boards. He continues to serve as a Director on several business boards, and with a multifaceted approach, diligently pursues excellence in RAL’s many property design and development projects.

Lisa Lake
GROUP CEO DESIGNATE

Lisa Lake is a skilled strategist with a clear focus on improving both the way people operate and the way profit is generated. She possesses over 15 years of experience helping entrepreneurs and companies grow their profits and their team by honing in on their purpose. Her eye is always on scalability and identifying opportunities that can drive economic development and employment in the Caribbean. As Group CEO Designate, she is taking the reigns of leadership from her father, Richard Lake, who is currently Group CEO. She has executive oversight spanning across the family’s entire group of companies and makes the hard decisions on a daily basis that help determine the future for RAL and its more than 1,800 employees.

Lisa sits on several prominent boards where she provides direction for both business and charitable initiatives. Her strong academic background is a further testament to her knowledge-base and competence. She holds a Bachelors in Economics and a Bachelors in Architectural Studies from Tufts University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She also has a Masters in Public Administration and International Development from Harvard University’s Kennedy School.

Robert Cranston
DIRECTOR

Robert E. Cranston is a specialist in Financial Management, with a passion for timely financial reporting and good corporate governance. He worked as the senior Vice President of Finance and Corporate Planning at the Jamaica Urban Transit Company Limited and was the Chief Executive Officer of Trans Jamaica Airline (Air Jamaica Express) for three (3) consecutive years. Robert Also served as President of the National Water Commission for two (2) years and works as Chief Financial Officer in both the public and private sectors. Along with Restaurants Associates Limited, he presently sits on the board of Club Caribbean Hotel Limited and is the Chairman of the Audit Committee Administrator- General’s Department.

Robert is a graduate of the University of the West Indies Mona with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Master of Science in Accounting.

Maurice Robinson
DIRECTOR

Attorney-At-Law, Maurice C. Robinson lives by the saying “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Today, he is currently a consultant with the Myers, Fletcher & Gordon Law Firm and sits on the Board of Directors of Security Advisor & Management Services Ltd., as well as Restaurants Associates Ltd.

Maurice is also a member of the Jamaica Bar Association and is a graduate of Wolmer’s Boys School and The University College of the West Indies Mona with a Bachelor of Arts in Law.