Don Wehby, a towering figure in Jamaica’s corporate and public life, has died. He was 62.
Wehby passed away Saturday evening at the Tony Thwaites Wing of the University Hospital of the West Indies after a prolonged illness. A priest administered the last rites shortly after 6 p.m., with his family by his side.
His passing marks the end of an extraordinary life devoted to national development, corporate excellence, and public service.
For 14 years, Wehby led GraceKennedy as Group CEO, steering one of Jamaica’s most recognizable companies through a period of sustained growth and global expansion. He took a leave of absence from the post in October 2024, citing health reasons. His retirement was officially effective in February of this year.
Under his leadership, GraceKennedy expanded its footprint across the Caribbean, North America, and Europe—transforming from a Jamaican household name into a globally respected conglomerate.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness paid tribute to Wehby in a statement Saturday night, describing him as “a visionary leader” and “deeply principled.”
“His transformational leadership helped guide GraceKennedy’s expansion into regional and global markets,” Holness said. “Don was known not just for his professional excellence but for his character—kind, gracious, and unwaveringly committed to Jamaica’s future.”
Wehby’s service extended beyond the private sector. He was appointed a government senator and served as Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Finance from 2007 to 2009 under the Bruce Golding administration. He later returned to the Senate in 2016, continuing to offer guidance and support for national policy.
In recognition of his exceptional service, Wehby was awarded the Order of Jamaica in October 2024. A proud graduate of St. George’s College and a longtime supporter of cricket and horse racing, he was widely admired for his humility, patriotism, and mentorship.
Wehby is survived by his wife and three children.
“His passing is a tremendous loss for his loving family, for the colleagues and communities he uplifted, and for the nation he so passionately served. But Don Wehby’s legacy endures, in the lives he mentored, in the institutions he helped build, and in the ideals he championed,” Prime Minister Holness said.
“To his family, your loss is deeply felt. To the staff of GraceKennedy, his fellow policymakers, and the many students, entrepreneurs, and citizens who looked to him for leadership, I know your sorrow. May you find solace in the countless ways he made Jamaica better. May his memory forever be a blessing, and may his legacy continue to inspire us to serve with purpose, integrity, and love.”
