GraceKennedy Limited has announced that its Group Chief Executive Officer, Don Wehby, will retire on February 14, 2025, marking the end of an illustrious tenure as CEO.
The company has named Frank James, current CEO of GraceKennedy’s Domestic Foods Division and former Group Chief Financial Officer, as his successor.
Wehby’s departure follows a leave of absence he took in October 2024 due to health concerns. In November, he also stepped down from his position in the Jamaican Senate. Reflecting on his time at GraceKennedy, Wehby said, “I am proud of the progress we have made during my tenure, and I am confident that the new leadership team will take GraceKennedy to even greater heights. I want to thank the board, my colleagues, and our customers for their support over the years.”
Since joining GraceKennedy in 1995 as Group Finance Manager, Wehby has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s trajectory. His leadership saw the company’s revenue soar from $58 billion in 2011 to $155 billion in 2023, more than doubling in size.
GraceKennedy praised Wehby’s tenure, stating, “Expansion through mergers and acquisitions has been a hallmark of Wehby’s leadership, enabling the company to grow regionally and globally. Under his guidance, it has become one of the largest and most dynamic entities in the Caribbean, with operations spanning the Caribbean, North and Central America, the United Kingdom, and Europe.”
Wehby’s contributions include spearheading the group’s local and international expansion in banking, investments, and insurance services. He was instrumental in securing GraceKennedy’s listing on multiple regional stock exchanges and oversaw the company’s acquisition of First Global Bank Ltd., now a wholly-owned subsidiary.
Frank James to lead GraceKennedy
Frank James, who will step into the CEO role, brings a wealth of experience from his 19 years at GraceKennedy. Since joining in 2005 as Vice President of Strategic Planning and Corporate Development, James has held senior roles in the Food and Financial Services Divisions. In 2012, he became Group CFO and a member of the Board of Directors.
Appointed CEO of GK Foods Domestic in 2019, James led the division to a 60% revenue increase by 2023. On his new role, James said, “I am honored to take on the role of Group CEO and lead the GraceKennedy team. We will continue to focus on delivering value to our customers, shareholders, and the communities we serve.”
Chairman of GraceKennedy, Professor Gordon Shirley, commended Wehby’s “exceptional leadership” and expressed confidence in James’ ability to guide the company into its next phase.
Don Wehby’s legacy is cemented not only in the company’s financial growth but also in its global reputation as a leading Caribbean enterprise. As the company transitions to new leadership, GraceKennedy continues to affirm its commitment to innovation, community engagement, and sustainable growth.
