Jan 2025 Financial News

GraceKennedy Limited - Notice of Change in Group Chief Executive Officer

Jan 15, 2025

GraceKennedy Limited has announced key leadership changes, effective February 14, 2025, coinciding with the company's 103rd anniversary. 

After a distinguished tenure, the Honourable Don Wehby, CD, OJ will retire as Group CEO on February 14, 2025, and step down from the Board of Directors. Mr. Wehby joined GraceKennedy in 1995 and was appointed Group CEO in 2011. During his tenure, the company more than doubled in size with revenue moving from J$58 billion in 2011, to J$155 billion in 2023.

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. "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," said Wehby. "I want to thank the Board, my colleagues, and our customers for their support over the years,” he added.

Frank James, current CEO of the company's Domestic Foods Division and former Group CFO, will assume the position of Group CEO on February 14th, 2025, and be appointed to the Board on the same date.

Mr. James joined GraceKennedy in 2005 as Vice President of Strategic Planning and Corporate Development. James quickly 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, GK Foods Domestic, the largest division in the group of companies, where he has championed growth and efficiency. Under his leadership, revenues for GK Foods Domestic grew by more than sixty percent up to 2023 and continues on that growth path, with even greater growth in profitability over the period.


Source:
The Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange Limited
Wednesday 15th January, 2025