Don Wehby, the Group Chief Executive Officer of GraceKennedy Limited, has announced a temporary leave of absence to address health concerns. In a message communicated to the staff, Wehby expressed the difficulty of this decision, emphasizing that it is in the best interest of both his personal health and the company at this time.
While the specifics of his medical situation remain undisclosed, Wehby’s leave is set to begin on Monday, with no timeline provided for his return to work. During his absence, Andrew Messado, the Chief Financial Officer of GraceKennedy, will take charge of the daily operations, although Wehby assured employees that he would continue to engage with the company’s strategic initiatives.
“I have every confidence in Andrew’s leadership and experience,” Wehby noted. “He has been a valuable part of the GK team for 25 years, and I’m certain the company will maintain its momentum during this time.”
Wehby, who also serves as a government senator, expressed optimism about returning to his full responsibilities in the near future.
Since taking on the role of CEO in 2011, Wehby has been a pivotal figure in GraceKennedy’s growth, succeeding Douglas Orane upon his retirement. His tenure has seen him rise through the ranks, having originally joined the company in 1995 as group finance manager. Over the years, he has held various key positions, including deputy finance director, group chief financial officer, and deputy chief executive officer of GraceKennedy Limited.
In addition to his corporate leadership, Wehby briefly stepped away from his roles at GraceKennedy in 2007 to serve as a government senator and Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, a testament to his deep engagement in both business and public service.
As he embarks on this necessary break for health reasons, the GraceKennedy team and stakeholders are hopeful for his swift recovery and return to leadership.
