Don Wehby Retires as GraceKennedy CEO, Paving the Way for New Leadership
Portfolio - People | Jan 14, 2025 | EIN
Don Wehby, who joined GraceKennedy in 1995 and became Group CEO in 2011, is stepping down after a notable tenure during which the company's revenue tripled to $155 billion. Known for his aggressive expansion through mergers and acquisitions, Wehby's leadership positioned GraceKennedy as a dynamic entity operating across the Caribbean, North and Central America, the UK, and Europe. Following Wehby's departure for health reasons, Frank James, a company veteran since 2005, will assume the role of Group CEO. James, previously CEO of GK Foods Domestic, is recognized for significantly boosting revenue and profitability. The company's succession planning aims to sustain growth towards its 2030 vision of becoming a leading Caribbean brand with Jamaican roots. Professor Gordon Shirley, Chairman of GraceKennedy, highlighted Wehby's transformative impact and expressed optimism for James's leadership.
Sectors
- Conglomerate
- Food and Beverage
- Financial Services
Geography
- Caribbean – GraceKennedy is one of the largest and most dynamic entities in the Caribbean, with roots and significant operations within the region.
- Jamaica – GraceKennedy is a Jamaican company with Jamaican heritage, aiming to become the Caribbean's number one brand with a global reach.
- United Kingdom – GraceKennedy has expanded its operations to include the UK, demonstrating its international reach beyond the Caribbean.
Industry
- Conglomerate – GraceKennedy operates as a diversified conglomerate across various industries including food and financial services.
- Food and Beverage – GraceKennedy's significant operations in the food industry, especially through its GK Foods Domestic division, play a crucial role in its business model.
- Financial Services – GraceKennedy also has operations in financial services, showcasing its diversification and market reach.
Financials
- $155 billion – GraceKennedy's revenue in 2023.
- $58 billion – GraceKennedy's revenue in 2011 when Don Wehby became CEO.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Don Wehby | Former Group CEO | Person | Joined GraceKennedy in 1995, served as Group CEO from 2011 until his retirement. |
| Frank James | Incoming Group CEO | Person | Has held various roles at GraceKennedy since 2005, most recently as CEO of GK Foods Domestic. |
| GraceKennedy | Company | Company | A diversified conglomerate with operations in food and financial services across the Caribbean and beyond. |
| Professor Gordon Shirley | Chairman | Person | Chairman of GraceKennedy Limited, involved in leadership transition announcements. |
| Andrew Messado | Group CFO | Person | Served as Group CFO and provided leadership during the transition period. |