GraceKennedy Limited, a cornerstone of Caribbean business, has unveiled significant leadership changes as the company prepares for its next era of growth and innovation. Don Wehby, the company’s CEO for over a decade, will officially retire on February 14, 2025, coinciding with GraceKennedy’s 103rd anniversary. His successor, Frank James, currently the CEO of GraceKennedy’s Domestic Foods Division, will assume the role of group CEO on the same date.
Wehby’s departure marks the conclusion of a remarkable career spanning nearly three decades with the multinational corporation. Having temporarily stepped back in October 2024 to address health concerns, Wehby’s retirement signals a planned and deliberate leadership transition. “This journey has been an incredible privilege,” Wehby remarked. “I leave knowing that the future is in capable hands.”
Frank James, a veteran of GraceKennedy since 2005, has played a pivotal role in driving growth across the company’s operations. As head of the Domestic Foods Division, James delivered over 60% revenue growth in recent years and is now set to lead the group into its next phase. “It’s an honor to take on this role at such a critical time,” James said. “We’re focused on advancing our vision while maintaining the values that make GraceKennedy exceptional.”
Chairman Professor Gordon Shirley described the leadership change as a milestone in GraceKennedy’s strategic evolution. “Don’s tenure reshaped the company into a global powerhouse,” Shirley noted. “Frank’s expertise and vision position us to build on that success and take GraceKennedy to new heights.”
The transition extends beyond the CEO role. GraceKennedy has also announced the appointments of Debra Dodd and Kerry-Ann Lincoln as divisional CFOs for its financial and food divisions, respectively, effective January 2025. These appointments underscore the company’s commitment to strengthening its leadership pipeline and achieving operational excellence.
Under Wehby’s leadership, GraceKennedy experienced transformative growth, with revenues surging from $58 billion in 2011 to $155 billion in 2023. His tenure was marked by strategic expansions into key markets, including North America and Europe, and a relentless focus on innovation. Reflecting on his legacy, Wehby emphasized the importance of teamwork and resilience. “Success is never achieved alone—it’s about the collective effort of a dedicated team,” he stated.
As GraceKennedy looks to the future, the company remains committed to its Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to position it as a global brand firmly rooted in its Jamaican heritage. With James at the helm, supported by a reinvigorated leadership team, GraceKennedy is poised to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving global economy while staying true to its core values.
This new chapter for GraceKennedy signals both continuity and change, as the company balances its storied past with ambitious plans for the future.
