Don Wehby, Group CEO of GraceKennedy Limited, has announced that he will be taking a temporary leave of absence due to health concerns. In a message addressed to the company’s employees, Wehby acknowledged the difficult decision but emphasized that it was necessary for both his well-being and the company’s stability.
“This was a hard choice, but I believe it’s the right one for me and GraceKennedy at this time,” Wehby stated in the notice.
While details surrounding his health condition have not been made public, Wehby’s leave of absence will begin on Monday, with no specified date for his return. Despite stepping away from daily operations, the CEO noted that he plans to stay involved at a strategic level during his time off.
During Wehby’s absence, Andrew Messado, the company’s Chief Financial Officer, will oversee the day-to-day management of GraceKennedy. Messado, who has been with the company for 25 years, has served as a director since 2019. Wehby expressed his full confidence in Messado, stating that the company’s operations will continue smoothly under his leadership.
“Andrew has been a vital part of our leadership team for decades. I know he is more than capable of ensuring everything runs seamlessly,” Wehby said.
Wehby, who is also a government senator, looks forward to resuming his full responsibilities soon but has not provided a specific timeline.
Having been with GraceKennedy for nearly three decades, Wehby first joined the organization in 1995 as Group Finance Manager. He quickly climbed the ranks, becoming Deputy Finance Director in 1997 and Group Chief Financial Officer in 1999, where he also assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer for the company’s financial services division.
In 2005, Wehby was appointed Deputy CEO of GraceKennedy Limited and CEO of GK Investments. After a brief departure in 2007 to serve as a government senator and Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, he returned to the company. He was named CEO of GraceKennedy in 2011, succeeding Douglas Orane.
Wehby’s leadership has been instrumental in GraceKennedy’s growth, guiding the conglomerate through a period of expansion and diversification. His temporary absence marks a significant moment for the company, but with Messado at the helm, operations are expected to remain on course until Wehby’s anticipated return.
