As GraceKennedy Limited approaches its 103rd anniversary on February 14, 2025, the company is gearing up for a transformative shift in leadership. Don Wehby, the iconic CEO who has steered the Jamaican multinational for nearly three decades, will officially retire on the same date, passing the reins to Frank James, current CEO of GraceKennedy’s Domestic Foods Division and former group CFO.
Wehby, who temporarily stepped back from daily operations in late 2024 due to health concerns, leaves behind a legacy of exponential growth and strategic transformation. Under his stewardship since 2011, GraceKennedy’s revenue soared from $58 billion to an impressive $155 billion in 2023, fueled by bold mergers, acquisitions, and international expansion across North America, Europe, and Central America.
Reflecting on his tenure, Wehby expressed pride in the company’s achievements:
“The progress we’ve made has been extraordinary, and I am confident the next generation of leadership will build on this foundation to achieve even greater success.”
Frank James to Usher in a New Era
Frank James, who joined GraceKennedy in 2005, is no stranger to driving growth within the organization. Under his leadership, the Domestic Foods Division experienced a 60% revenue surge while strengthening its profitability. His transition to group CEO is expected to bring a fresh perspective to GraceKennedy’s operations, with a focus on further innovation and global competitiveness.
“It is a privilege to step into this role,” James said in a statement. “My focus will be on delivering exceptional value to our stakeholders while maintaining the company’s core values rooted in Jamaican heritage.”
The board, led by Chairman Professor Gordon Shirley, praised Wehby for his visionary leadership while expressing confidence in James’ ability to lead the conglomerate into its next phase of growth.
A Resilient Vision for the Future
The leadership transition is part of GraceKennedy’s Vision 2030 strategy, aimed at solidifying its position as a global brand deeply connected to its Jamaican roots. Recent appointments within the company reflect this commitment to robust succession planning and strategic growth.
Effective January 1, 2025, Debra Dodd and Kerry-Ann Lincoln will assume roles as divisional chief financial officers for GraceKennedy Financial Group and GK Foods, respectively. Their extensive financial expertise is expected to bolster the group’s performance and ensure strong governance across its divisions.
“These leadership changes signify our ongoing efforts to strengthen the organization,” said Group CFO Andrew Messado. “We are committed to maintaining operational excellence and fostering innovation across all levels.”
Navigating Market Reactions
The announcement of Wehby’s retirement prompted a 2.21% dip in GraceKennedy’s share price, closing at $73.13 on Tuesday. Despite the initial reaction, market analysts remain optimistic about the company’s long-term prospects under James’ leadership.
With a rich legacy of innovation, a global footprint, and a clear strategy for the future, GraceKennedy stands poised to continue its evolution as one of the Caribbean’s most impactful corporations. As Don Wehby steps into retirement, his transformative leadership will be remembered as a defining era in the company’s storied history.
