KINGSTON, Jamaica — GraceKennedy Limited has announced the retirement of long-standing Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Don Wehby effective February 14, 2025.

At the same time, the company has appointed Frank James, current CEO of GraceKennedy’s Domestic Foods Division and former group chief financial officer, to assume the position that same date.

Wehby had taken a leave of absence from the company in October last year, citing health issues. A month later in November, he resigned from his position in the Senate.

Wehby has led the company since 2011 after joining in 1995. During his tenure, GraceKennedy says the company more than doubled in size with revenue moving from $58 billion in 2011 to $155 billion in 2023.

Lauding his tenure, the company said, “Expansion through mergers and acquisitions has been a hallmark of Wehby’s leadership, enabling the company to grow regionally and globally. Under his guidance, it has become one of the largest and most dynamic entities in the Caribbean, with operations spanning the Caribbean, North and Central America, the United Kingdom, and Europe.”

Commenting on his time with the group Wehby said, “I am proud of the progress we have made during my tenure, and I am confident that the new leadership team will take GraceKennedy to even greater heights.”

He added, “I want to thank the board, my colleagues, and our customers for their support over the years.”

James, who will head that new team, joined GraceKennedy in 2005 as vice president of Strategic Planning and Corporate Development. He moved through the ranks, occupying senior roles in both the Food and Financial Services Divisions, before he was appointed Group CFO in 2012. He was also appointed to the Board of Directors that same year. In April 2019, James was appointed chief executive officer of GK Foods Domestic, the largest division in the group of companies.

Under his leadership, revenues for GK Foods Domestic grew by more than 60 per cent up to 2023, the company said

“I am honoured to take on the role of Group CEO and lead the GraceKennedy team,” said James. “We will continue to focus on delivering value to our customers, shareholders, and the communities we serve,” he added.

Chairman of GraceKennedy Limited Professor Gordon Shirley congratulated Wehby on his “exceptional leadership” and welcomed James to the new role.