Don Wehby, the longtime chief executive officer of GraceKennedy Group who credited God for the success of the Caribbean conglomerate, has died at 62 after a short illness, the company announced July 27.
Wehby, a former Jamaican senator and government minister, died July 26 surrounded by family, according to GraceKennedy. His wife, Hilary, a stroke survivor known for her Christian faith, shared days earlier a devotional quote on social media: “Our Savior’s most beautiful work often comes out of brokenness.”
In a statement, GraceKennedy called Wehby “a remarkable leader” who served the company and country with “selfless service, unwavering integrity, and a deep love” for both.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness said Wehby was “kind, gracious, deeply principled, and unwaveringly committed to Jamaica’s future,” noting his leadership in expanding GraceKennedy’s regional and global presence and his service as government senator and minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Finance.
Wehby often spoke publicly about his faith. At GraceKennedy’s centennial thanksgiving service in 2022, held at Holy Trinity Cathedral during the COVID-19 pandemic, he urged gratitude in difficult times. “Above all, we give thanks,” he said. “We give thanks to God for his grace and favour, which has guided our company since 1922.”
The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica called him “a visionary leader, nation builder, and beloved member of the PSOJ family” whose “legacy of integrity, service, and unwavering dedication to Jamaica’s development will continue to inspire generations to come.”
