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News that the former Group CEO of GraceKennedy Don Wehby has passed away after a long bout of illness was greeted with sadness throughout Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

Wehby was revered and his accomplishments admired. His character and patriotism were also lauded. He was much respected and made significant contributions to Jamaica.

Business leaders paid tribute to him on Our Today:

Adam Stewart – Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts and the ATL Group of Companies.

We are truly saddened to hear of Don’s passing. He was a first-class businessman, a proud son of Jamaica and a remarkable patriot. His unwavering love for country and people was evident in all he did.

He was a deeply loyal friend, admired and respected by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His impact was felt not just within our borders, but across Jamaican communities around the world.

Jamaica has lost an extraordinary human being. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy will live on— cherished and preserved by a grateful nation.

My heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife Hilary, his entire family, dear friends near and far and the incredible team members who stood beside him.

Walk good, Don, you will be truly missed.

Michael Lee Chin – Chairman of NCB Financial Group 

I am saddened by the passing of Don Wehby—a great son of the soil, family man, business leader and a great human.

Don will be remembered for his care for the underprivileged, his intellect, dedication to nation building and his leadership of an iconic Jamaican business.

Those of us who have known Don were privileged to have benefited from his selfless helpfulness. Rest in peace, Don.

Stephen Price – Country Manager, Flow Jamaica 

There are some people whose presence alone signals that they are destined to make a lasting mark. Don Wehby was one of those rare individuals. A true titan of Jamaican business, Don led the GraceKennedy Group with vision, integrity and a relentless commitment to excellence. His leadership helped shape one of the region’s most respected companies into the global force it is today—a legacy any CEO would be proud to leave.

Beyond the boardroom, Don was a fellow proud son of St George’s College, a lover of athletics and a patriot in every sense of the word. Through his service in the Senate and his tireless advocacy and investment in our youth—especially through GraceKennedy’s unwavering support for Champs—Don showed us what it means to serve country and community.

I will miss our conversations—always thoughtful, always generous. He was a man of substance, and his wise counsel was something I cherished deeply.

My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the entire GraceKennedy team. Jamaica has lost one of its finest leaders, but Don’s impact will echo through generations.

Walk good, Don 

Keith Duncan – Group CEO, JMMB  

Jamaica sadly has lost a true patriot and nation builder who has contributed in many different spheres of national development with distinction.

Don was extremely courageous to put his career in the private sector on pause in 2008 to take on a critical role in the Government of Jamaica as a Senator and Minister within the Ministry of Finance at a very critical period, as Jamaica had to face down a tumultuous global financial crisis.

He took up the reins of leadership of the GK Group in 2011 and has diversified and expanded its business operations globally, making it a true Jamaican success story. 

He again, in 2016, made time for national service as a policymaker when he again took on the role of Senator, serving until 2024.

Don is a true philanthropist, and his every action was to make Jamaica a better place for generations to come.

Don Wehby has left a powerful legacy and left his footprint on Jamaica land we love. 

Chris Zacca – CEO, Sagicor Group Jamaica 

Don was a friend, and he was a Jamaican giant. As a business leader, it was very fitting that earlier this year, he was named to the PSOJ Hall of Fame.

At GraceKennedy, he shepherded that conglomerate to higher heights, firstly growing their financial services group into a formidable player in the Caribbean and secondly, successfully expanding their food business into the international market.

But more than that, Don was a patriot, and his service to the nation was extraordinary. 

My sincere condolences go out to the entire Wehby family as well as his GraceKennedy family.

Eva Lewis – Citibank Country Officer, Jamaica 

Jamaica has lost a nation builder and exemplary leader, always striving for excellence.

Don was a devoted family man whose understated support for the less fortunate will not be forgotten.

May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his family, friends, colleagues, and his beloved Grace Kennedy team find comfort at this difficult time.

Gassan Azan – Founder of Basic Trading Company and CEO of MegaMart 

Don was one of the most strategic businessmen of our time. His impact on Grace as their leader is without question the most significant in decades.

As a friend, his words were always comforting and reassuring. 

The most compelling thing about him was his national spirit, always seeking out what was best for Jamaica. 

He was always humble and extremely generous. I shall miss him greatly.

Cliff Hughes – Founder and CEO of Nationwide News Network 

Don Wehby is, without doubt, a giant of a business leader, but in a quiet, dignified, creative way. He was never one of those who sought to grab the headlines.

He kept his head down and delivered on the bottom line for his customers, shareholders and the people of Jamaica.

He was a patriot and a gentleman who held Jamaica close to his heart. We are going to miss him. Walk good, Don. 

David Panton – Chairman of Panton Equity Partners 

Don Wehby was one of the kindest and caring persons I have met. He was always the consummate gentleman and a fervent patriot. His contribution to Jamaica’s business landscape is undeniable.

His work ethic was always commendable, and he remained committed to a better Jamaica.

A dedicated family man, Jamaica has lost a great son.

Shullette Cox – President of JAMPRO 

The Honourable Don Wehby is by far one of Jamaica’s most admired and influential business leaders whose career reflects success in both the private and public sectors. As the Group CEO of GraceKennedy Limited, one of the Caribbean’s largest conglomerates, Mr Wehby held a strategic vision for GK guided by honesty, integrity and trust.

A longtime client of JAMPRO, both as an investor and an exporter, under his guidance, one witnessed firsthand how global competitiveness and growth are a direct result of strategic vision and focused leadership.

Mr Wehby’s patriotism and service to country are well known. He served as a Senator as well as State Minister in the Ministry of Finance and Public Service. However, for JAMPRO, his service started when he was appointed Chairman of the Board by the Prime Minister in April 2016—a role he held through two subsequent Ministers until July 2022. 

From the outset, he and his Board set an ambitious agenda for JAMPRO to make an impact on Jamaica’s economic growth path, always reiterating the importance of “rolling out the red carpet and rolling in the red tape”. 

As Vice President of JAMPRO at the time with responsibility for policy, I had the privilege of working closely with him as Chairman of the National Investment Policy Steering Committee. Under his leadership, the private-public sector group drafted Jamaica’s first policy to clearly outline the principles to ensure that Jamaica’s investors—both local and foreign—would be facilitated and not challenged by bureaucracy.

As we mourn the loss of a true Jamaican leader, we are encouraged by the fact that he leaves behind many whom he has mentored and influenced and that through them, he will continue to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs, professionals and civil servants. 

Chris Levy – Group President and CEO, Jamaica Broilers

Don Wehby was an inspirational business leader and took GraceKennedy to new heights.

He was always very honourable and a gentleman. He was smart—strategic in his thinking. Don was a family man and made a great contribution to his country.

He will be greatly missed. 

William Mahfood – Chairman of the Wisynco Group 

Don and I are about the same age, and I have been an admirer of his progress and contribution to Jamaica.

He worked at Wisynco while he finished his CPA studies. His acumen always stood out, and he was destined to go places. The way he managed his corporate life, his political life and his family life at the same time is remarkable.

Not many are capable of that feat. His contribution to Jamaica was phenomenal. He took Grace to a new international level. I must say he helped us grow our UK business.

He loved horse racing with a passion. My condolences to his family. 

Ryan Reid – President and CEO of First Rock Group

Don Wehby has been, for a long time, one of Jamaica’s most notable business leaders. He took GraceKennedy to a new level.

He was very noble, a no-nonsense man. Don Wehby was a true visionary and a man of his word.

He will be dearly missed.

Dennis Chung – Chief Technical Director of the Financial Investigations Division (FID) 

Don Wehby was a special person blessed with insight and remarkable perception. As a man, he was very caring and looked out for Jamaica.

He believed in me at times more than I believed in myself. He was never flashy, never boastful. He didn’t bend your ear with tales of his accomplishments.

He was a great leader and had an eye for recognising talent. The growth of Grace under his leadership is particularly noteworthy. He talked many times about his vision for Grace and the role the staff played in it.

He was dedicated to his family and to Grace. He loved horse racing and fully supported Champs.

Donovan Lewis – Founder and Chairman of the Ideal Group of Companies 

Don Wehby was the consummate businessman. He was a fantastic leader dedicated to his work.

Douglas Oraine did well in grooming him to be his successor, and once he got the position, he demonstrated aptitude. He was not just an exemplary corporate leader.

He also served the Government well. He was always affable and willing to help. He will be missed.

Gary Peart – Chairman of Mayberry Investments and Executive Chairman of Supreme Ventures

Not only was Don Wehby a great leader, but he was also a decent human being who cared about people’s welfare.

He was responsible for the most important move of my career, and I will be forever grateful. There was Don the CEO, and there was Don the racehorse owner.

Again, I was blessed to be exposed to Don, the racehorse owner, and I always cherished the advice he shared.

Ironically, he died after the running of the Don Wehby Senior Trophy Race at Caymanas.

My condolences to his family.

Audrey Tugwell Henry – President and CEO of Scotia Group Jamaica

Jamaica mourns the passing of an extraordinary son of the soil—a visionary leader whose life was a masterclass in service, integrity, transformational leadership and nation-building. Don Wehby’s impact transcended sectors. He was a rare Jamaican whose leadership shaped not only corporate boardrooms, but also legislative chambers, community circles, and youth spaces alike—each touched by his unwavering commitment to excellence and impact. 

Among his enduring contributions, Don’s steadfast support for youth and athletics stands as a radiant symbol of his belief in the power of sport to transform lives. Under his stewardship, GraceKennedy deepened its investment in the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Championships (“Champs”), forging one of Jamaica’s most significant and sustained corporate sponsorships. But to Don, this partnership was more than financial—it was philosophical. 

He saw Champs as a crucible for discipline, ambition, national pride, and a launchpad for the immense talent of young Jamaicans. His vision helped elevate the event into a rite of passage and a celebration of aspiration. Don’s legacy is inscribed not only in boardrooms and Senate archives, but on the track, in classrooms, and in the hearts of the many Jamaicans he impacted and inspired. His life reminds us that true leadership uplifts, empowers, endures and is a catalyst for impactful change. On behalf of Scotia Group, I extend deepest condolences to Don’s beloved family, the GraceKennedy family, and all who were blessed to know and love him.

May his soul rest in eternal peace. And may Don’s example of visionary and transformational leadership continue to guide and galvanise our nation.

Audrey Hinchcliffe – Chair of Manpower & Maintenance Group of Companies 

Don Wehby cared about people, not just business outcomes. He will be remembered with deep gratitude and affection by those whom he served.