Growth & Jobs | A Life well lived: Friends, colleagues remember Dhiru Tanna’s quiet impact

The soft cadence of a Hindu chant, recited in Sanskrit and English by Rakesh Goswami, a former JN Group executive, settled the room into stillness.

More than 40 fellow directors, colleagues, and friends gathered in a memorial service at the Corporate Office of the Jamaica National Group on April 27 to pay tribute to the late deputy chairman of the JN Group, Dr Dhiru Tanna.

Among those in attendance were Michael Fennell, former president of the Jamaica Olympic Association; Monica Ladd, attorney at-law; Jeffrey Hall, chairman of the Blue Power Group; Ambassador Rocky Meade, JN Group director and permanent secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister; Dr Carlton Davis, former Cabinet Secretary; William Mahfood, chairman of the Wisynco Group; and Tarun Handa, retired managing partner for KPMG.

In the quiet gathering, colleagues and friends reflected on the impact of his life. The sentiments expressed were consistent: admiration for his deep intellect, steady judgement, and an uncommon humility that shaped decisions and people over decades. 

The tributes portrayed a man who understood strategy, governance, and people and who cared deeply about the JN organisation’s mission and culture. Those who served with him spoke of a mentor, confidant, and patriot whose quiet wisdom carried immense weight.

VALUES IN LEADERSHIP

Elizabeth Ann Jones, chairman of the JN Group, recalled meeting Dr Tanna in the private sector and immediately recognising “his great depth of knowledge and impressive business acumen”. When she later served alongside him on the board of Jamaica National Building Society, she came to rely on what she described as “always the voice of reason - a steady presence who shared his knowledge, expertise, and foresight during countless board discussions”.

Earl Jarrett, chief executive officer of the JN Group, reminisced that he worked with Dr Tanna for several decades and often benefited from his counsel, describing him as a “polymath” whose leadership spanned multiple industries.  He noted that Dr Tanna brought “abilities and vision” to organisations navigating change and expansion and that colleagues frequently relied on his breadth of knowledge and perspectives.

Board member Peter Morris said that he admired Dr Tanna’s intellect and business acumen from their first meeting. He noted that Dr Tanna carried himself with “quiet authority … a man of integrity” committed to delivering meaningful value and an excellent customer experience to members while also insisting on the discipline required to run an efficient and profitable business. To Mr Morris, he was an “elder statesman” on the board of directors and a mentor to many, including him. 

Another colleague, Parris Lyew-Ayee, chairman of the JN Foundation, added that Dr Tanna’s respect for people and differing beliefs were admirable. Although Hindu by faith, Dr Tanna encouraged others to be guided by their own values in leadership and decision-making. His sharp intellect, attention to detail, and calm confidence set him apart early in his career. “He always seemed to be several steps ahead, quietly analysing, guiding, and shaping outcomes with wisdom and clarity.”

Fennell described him as a man of quiet brilliance whose true depth was often only fully appreciated by those who had the privilege of knowing him closely.

He said he was an exceptional individual who carried his accomplishments with humility, never seeking to impress yet leaving a lasting impact through his actions and mentorship.

“[A] fantastic individual in every way, so unassuming, not pretentious in any way,” Mr Fennell added, emphasising that Dr Tanna’s strength lay not only in what he knew but in how carefully and thoughtfully he shared it.

Dr Davis pointed out that Dr Tanna was an exceptional Jamaican whose intellect, humility, and wide-ranging contributions left an indelible mark on the country.

He said he was not easily defined by any single role, noting that he excelled as an academic, businessman, and public servant.

“He was a remarkable gift to Jamaica,” said Dr Davis, adding that the country benefitted immensely from Dr Tanna’s decision to make it his home.

PROFOUND IMPACT

A heartfelt tribute from Keith Senior, assistant general manager at the Jamaica National Group, captured the profound personal and professional impact of Dr Tanna, describing him as a man who left “fingerprints on our souls”.

He reflected on the depth of respect and admiration Dr Tanna inspired among colleagues, noting that memories of him have become treasured keepsakes. 

“There are people who simply pass through life, and then there are those who leave an indelible mark. Dhiru was one of those,” he said, portraying him as a towering figure whose influence extended far beyond the boardroom.

His widow, Dr Laura Tanna, offered a heartfelt message of thanks for the tributes to her late husband, saying that the stories of his mentorship, friendship, and professional impact brought a renewed sense of comfort. 

“Hearing how he has mentored people, hearing the stories of your friendship, it means a great deal to me,” she said, adding that the remarks from those in attendance revealed dimensions of her husband’s life she did not always see up close.

Dr Tanna died on April 14 at age 82.

Photo captions: 

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Earl Jarrett (left), chief executive officer of The Jamaica National Group, offers comfort to Dr Laura Tanna, wife of the late Dr Dhiru Tanna, during a memorial service celebrating his life at the JN Corporate Office on Oxford Road recently.

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Dr Laura Tanna expresses her gratitude to colleagues and friends gathered in a memorial service. 

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Fellow directors, colleagues, and friends gathered in a memorial service at the Corporate Office of the Jamaica National Group recently, to pay tribute to the late deputy chairman of the JN Group, Dr Dhiru Tanna. Contributed photos