Sat | Jul 4, 2026

Family mourns ‘devoted husband and father’ Don Wehby; Nation pays tribute to business icon

Published:Sunday | July 27, 2025 | 6:28 PM
Don Wehby with his wife Hilary (left), and daughters Stephanie (second right) and Abigail at the launch of Hilary's book My New Normal... Reflections of a Stroke Survivor at the Hope Fellowship Church in 2019. They also have a son, Nicholas, is not in the
Don Wehby with his wife Hilary (left), and daughters Stephanie (second right) and Abigail at the launch of Hilary's book My New Normal... Reflections of a Stroke Survivor at the Hope Fellowship Church in 2019. They also have a son, Nicholas.

The family of Don Wehby, former Group CEO of GraceKennedy Limited, has expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support following his death on Saturday.

“With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Don, who died peacefully on July 26, surrounded by his family,” said a statement Sunday.

“Don was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend whose unwavering faith and generosity touched countless lives. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this time and kindly ask for privacy as we grieve,” the statement added.

Wehby, 62, passed away at the Tony Thwaites Wing of the University Hospital of the West Indies in St Andrew after a period of illness. He retired earlier this year after more than 30 years with the food and financial giant, where he served as Group CEO from 2011 to February 2025. He had initially gone on leave to focus on his health.

Wehby was born on July 14, 1963. He is survived by his wife, Hilary, and their three children.

The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) has described Wehby as “a transformational business leader, a committed public servant, and a long-standing friend and partner.”

"We have lost a true titan of industry and a servant leader whose life’s work has left an indelible mark on Jamaica," said PSOJ President Metry Seaga.

Seaga said that as CEO of GraceKennedy, Wehby "repositioned the company as a global player while remaining steadfast in his belief that corporate success must be paired with social responsibility".

"His leadership extended beyond business, with a passion for youth development, education, and sports, including his pivotal role in expanding the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Championships," the PSOJ head added.

In April, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica announced Wehby as the 31st inductee into its Hall of Fame. The induction is slated for October.

In addition to corporate involvement, Wehby also served Jamaica in the Senate and as Minister Without Portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service between 2007 and 2009. He was reappointed to the Upper House in 2016 and resigned in November 2024.

The Government of Jamaica awarded him the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) in 2017 and the Order of Jamaica - the country's fourth highest honour in 2024.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness remembered Wehby for his "professional excellence" and "transformational leadership,” while Opposition Leader Golding described him as “a personal friend" whose contributions "played a meaningful part in Jamaica’s recent development story".

In a statement, GraceKennedy said the company was “deeply saddened” by the passing of its former chief executive, describing him as “a remarkable leader who embodied selfless service..."

During his tenure as Group CEO from 2011 to 2025, Don Wehby more than doubled GraceKennedy’s revenue, from $58 billion in 2011 to $155 billion in 2023, according to the company. He also spearheaded an aggressive mergers and acquisitions strategy that expanded the 103-year-old conglomerate’s footprint across the Caribbean, North and Central America, the United Kingdom, and Europe.

There has been an outpouring of tributes on social media.

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