Don Wehby retires as GraceKennedy CEO

GraceKennedy Limited has announced that Group CEO Don Wehby will retire on February 14, 2025, after an accomplished tenure at the helm. Frank James, CEO of GraceKennedy’s Domestic Foods Division and former Group CFO, has been named as his successor.

Wehby, who took a leave of absence in October 2024 due to health concerns, stepped down from the Jamaican Senate in November. Reflecting on his tenure, he stated, “I am proud of the progress we have made, and I am confident the new leadership team will elevate GraceKennedy to even greater heights.”

Joining GraceKennedy as Group Finance Manager in 1995, Wehby has played a transformative role in the company’s growth. Under his leadership, revenues surged from $58 billion in 2011 to $155 billion in 2023.

His strategic focus on mergers and acquisitions propelled GraceKennedy into a regional and global powerhouse, with operations across the Caribbean, North and Central America, the UK, and Europe. Wehby also spearheaded the group’s expansion into banking, investments, and insurance services, including the acquisition of First Global Bank Ltd.

Frank James brings 19 years of experience to his new role as Group CEO. Since joining in 2005 as Vice President of Strategic Planning and Corporate Development, James has held key positions in both the Food and Financial Services Divisions. As Group CFO, he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s financial strategy, and as CEO of GK Foods Domestic since 2019, he led the division to a 60 percent revenue increase by 2023.

On his appointment, James remarked, “I am honored to lead GraceKennedy and will continue to focus on delivering value to our customers, shareholders, and communities.”

Chairman of GraceKennedy, Gordon Shirley praised Wehby’s exceptional leadership and expressed confidence in James’ ability to guide the company into its next chapter.

As GraceKennedy transitions to new leadership, the company reaffirms its commitment to innovation, sustainable growth, and community impact, continuing its legacy as a leading Caribbean enterprise.