Ian Dear

Ian Dear is a Jamaican-born businessman with more than 25 years experience in Caribbean tourism and real estate development. He is an original founder, and the current Chairman and CEO of Margaritaville Caribbean Group (MCG). In addition to purchasing local goods and services, MCG provides employment for more than 1,000 Jamaicans; providing significant economic impact to the island. MCG locations can also be found on Grand Cayman, Grand Turk and St. Thomas.

Ian’s relationships with key contributors to the Caribbean tourism industry have resulted in long-standing MCG partnership agreements with Sangster International Airport, Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. With Ian’s leadership expertise, Margaritaville joined Wyndham Vacation Ownership, the world’s largest vacation ownership company, to open the Margaritaville Vacation Club resort, in St. Thomas.

Ian believes in responsible corporate citizenship, giving back to the community, and is dedicated to ensuring our associates, and their families, have the opportunity to learn, develop and thrive. Although Margaritaville Caribbean Group supports many charitable organizations, Ian is most proud of the significant contributions his organization has made in scholarship funding since the 2006 launch of its Margaritaville Scholarship Program which provides financial assistance to the children of MCG associates. 

Ian maintains active involvement in several community service organizations. Currently he serves as a Justice of the Peace for the parish of St. James, since originally being appointed in 1996. Over the years he has also served as a member, and board member for several organizations to include the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica, Young President’s Association, the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, the Jamaica Cruise Council and the Attractions Association of Jamaica.

Ian attended Montego Bay Community College and Cornwall College. He is married to Carla and has 3 children, Lauren, Jayson and Chloe, all raised in Montego Bay, Jamaica