Digicel Group appoints Katherine Payne as chief executive officer, Barbados

Digicel has announced the appointment of Katherine Payne as chief executive officer of Digicel (Barbados) Ltd effective April 1, 2026.

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.

Prior to this, she 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, Payne has built her career across Barbados and the region, leading large, cross-functional teams and improving how the business operates.

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.”

Katherine Payne said: “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.”

Payne succeeds Natalie Abrahams, who stepped down from the role at the end of March. Digicel thanks Abrahams for her contribution and leadership during her tenure.

(PR)