Who Is Don Wehby?

Educated at St. George's College, the University of the
West Indies, Stanford University - Advanced
Management College and Institute of Chartered
Accountants; and born to Donald George Wehby
(Sr.) and Marie Elena, Donald Wehby is considered
by colleagues in the private sector as one of the most
dynamic professionals in the financial arena in today's Jamaica.

Don Wehby joined GraceKennedy Ltd. in 1995 as group
finance manager and rapidly moved on to become deputy
finance director by 1997, when he was also called to the Board.

In 1998, Wehby was appointed group chief financial officer.
He became the group chief financial officer (including heading
a new Strategic Planning Unit) in 2005.
During his tenure as chief operating officer of the
Financial Services Division, pre-tax profit for the division
surged 406 per cent from $280 million in 2000 to $1.417 billion
in 2005. In 2006 Wehby became deputy chief executive officer,
GraceKennedy Ltd., and chief executive officer, GK Investments.

Don Wehby contributed to making GraceKennedy Ltd. one of
the region's largest food conglomerates, and the first
Jamaican cross-listed company. In addition to being a
major player on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, GraceKennedy Ltd.
was also listed in Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados and the
St. Kitts' based Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange.

Wehby played key roles for several acquisitions made
by GraceKennedy Ltd., including a 100% ownership of
First Global Bank Ltd. (FGB) and WT Foods - a successful U.K.
ethnic Food company.

GraceKennedy Ltd. is renowned for its tradition of encouraging
its executives to give public service - Hon. Carlton Alexander
and Mr Douglas Orane having successfully paved the way
in the past. So when the newly elected Prime Minister of Jamaica
Hon. Bruce Golding asked Don's hand in 'marriage' to the 'supposed
mess' left at the Omar Davis-lead Ministry of Finance, it was with
the blessings of GraceKennedy Ltd. "Don's decision to proceed is
in keeping with this tradition (of giving public service), and
reflects our deeply held belief that one of the best ways to
demonstrate our 'Grace We Care' philosophy is through actions
such as these to develop the country we love so dearly"
said Mr.Douglas Orane, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

However, due to much furore by detractors to Wehby's two-year leave
of absence with pay granted by GraceKennedy Ltd. for him to serve
in the Jamaica Labour Party Cabinet, Don Wehby has had to resign
his post outright in order to serve his country. For a person
known to be of high discipline and integrity, it remains unclear
what his detractors (or are they JLP administration's detractors?)
have achieved by proverbially "boxing food out of the man's mouth".

Senator Don Wehby tendered his resignation from the GraceKennedy
Group, severing his employment with the private sector entity
on 30th September 2007.

Jamaica wishes him well and we shall continue to blog on his efforts
at the MOF.