Port Computer Services appoints new general manager

'A stickler for quality assurance', that is how newly appointed general manager (GM) of Port Computer Services Limited (PCS), Elaine Hayden, describes herself.

Hayden, who has a solid background in information technology management, has worked in the telecommuni-cations industry over the past 10 years in several capacities; previously business systems analyst manager at Digicel and value added services and commercial strategy manager at Claro. She was appointed GM of PCS on July 1.

PCS, established in 1981, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Shipping Association of Jamaica and is the primary supplier of information technology services to the Jamaican shipping industry. PCS holds the distinction of being the pioneer in the computerisation of the Port of Kingston, with services expanded to the region as well as corporate Jamaica.

"What I bring to PCS is a good mix of commercial acumen and IT knowledge, to ensure that all the systems and procedures are in place. We have a very good product which we are going to package and aggressively market," Hayden said.

She holds a post-graduate certificate in information technology from the University of Liverpool, and a bachelor of arts (honours) from the University of the West Indies. She is a trained project manager and information systems auditor. She has pending a Master of Science in IT, specialising in security engineering, from the University of Liverpool.

The new GM is excited about the prospects at PCS, as she believes the company and its offerings are one of the best-kept secrets in Jamaica. "PCS is a very well-kept secret and my job is to ensure that, when we make that secret public, we have all the underpinnings to support the business that is going to come," Hayden expressed.

A true team leader, Hayden noted that PCS has a qualified and experienced team that is ready to take on new markets.

Hayden, a mother of two, is deeply involved in church. She works with the youth group as well as leads praise and worship. She is a member of several organisations, including Information Systems Audit and Control Association, Project Management Institute and Toastmasters International.