Don Wehby, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of GraceKennedy Limited and one of Jamaica’s most respected business leaders, passed away on Saturday at the age of 62, following a period of illness. His death marks the end of an era for corporate Jamaica.
A transformative force in the private sector, Wehby retired from GraceKennedy in February 2025 after more than a decade at the helm. Under his leadership from 2011 to 2025, the century-old conglomerate experienced unprecedented growth, with revenues more than doubling from J$58 billion to J$155 billion. His strategic focus on mergers and acquisitions redefined GraceKennedy’s regional and international presence, expanding its operations throughout the Caribbean, North and Central America, the United Kingdom, and Europe.
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Wehby’s corporate journey began in 1995 when he joined GraceKennedy as a chartered accountant. Over the following decades, he rose through the ranks, holding several executive roles across the company’s food and financial divisions. In 2011, he was appointed Group CEO, succeeding Douglas Orane, a business titan in his own right. From that point on, Wehby became synonymous with a modernized, globally focused GraceKennedy—anchored in Jamaican values, but outward-looking in scope.
Beyond the boardroom, Wehby brought his expertise to the public sector. He served as a Government Senator and Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service from 2007 to 2009, before returning to the Senate in 2016 and serving until his resignation in late 2024. He was widely respected for bridging the gap between business and government with integrity and policy acumen.
His contribution to national life was recognized with some of Jamaica’s highest honors. In 2017, he was conferred with the Order of Distinction (Commander Class), and in 2024, he received the Order of Jamaica—an honor reserved for exemplary national service. In April 2025, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica named him its 31st Hall of Fame inductee, with the official ceremony scheduled for October.
Wehby’s legacy also includes his steady leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, for which GraceKennedy received the RJRGLEANER Honour Award for Business in 2021. The citation praised the company’s resilience, expansion, and principled governance amid global uncertainty.
Born on July 14, 1963, Don Wehby was more than a corporate executive. He was a devoted husband to Hilary, a loving father to their three children, and a proud Jamaican who believed in building institutions that outlast individuals. His enduring impact on Jamaica’s business landscape and his commitment to ethical leadership will be remembered for generations to come.
