GraceKennedy Limited (GK) has announced key leadership changes set to take effect in 2025 as part of the Company’s succession plan.

Effective February 14, 2025, Andrea Coy will assume the role of CEO of GraceKennedy Foods, a move which will see the integration of the domestic and international segments of GK’s food division under a single leadership structure.

Since joining GraceKennedy in 2005 as Hi-Lo’s Financial Controller, Coy has held several key leadership roles within GK, including General Manager of Hi-Lo Food Stores and World Brands Services, CEO of Hardware & Lumber, Senior General Manager of the GK Foods Global Category Management Unit, and CEO of GK Foods Domestic. She has led GK’s international food operations since 2018 and is a member of the GK Executive Committee. Under her leadership, both GK’s domestic and international food businesses recorded significant growth in revenues and profitability. Coy holds degrees in Accounting from the University of the West Indies and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica. She specializes in Turnaround Management and has completed advanced studies in the field at Harvard Business School. She serves on the Board of the Bank of Jamaica.

Later this year, following a distinguished 25-year career at GK, Grace Burnett will retire as CEO of the GraceKennedy Financial Group (GKFG), effective August 14, 2025. Upon her retirement, Steven Whittingham, the current Deputy CEO of GKFG, will step into the role of CEO, ensuring a seamless transition in leadership.

Grace Burnett

Burnett joined GK in 2000 and has held several key leadership roles within the Group. She previously served as Managing Director of GK General Insurance and Allied Insurance Brokers, where she led strategic operations for GK’s insurance business. From 2014 to 2019, she was the CEO of GK’s Insurance Segment, driving growth and innovation in the sector. An attorney-at-law, she has been the CEO of GKFG since 2016 and holds the position of the President & CEO of GraceKennedy Money Services. She is also a member of the GK Executive Committee. Well-known for her expertise in customer service, operations, and talent development, Burnett has earned accolades both within GK and externally. Her outstanding contributions to the insurance industry and exemplary leadership were formally recognised in 2024 when she received the prestigious Insurance Association of Jamaica Leadership Excellence Award.

Steven Whittingham

Whittingham joined GK in 2013 and has been Deputy CEO of GKFG since 2022, overseeing the Group’s Insurance Segment, merchant banking, and investment portfolios. He is a member of the GK Executive Committee and leads GK’s digital transformation. He has held various leadership roles within GK, including Chief Investment Officer of GraceKennedy Limited, Chief Operating Officer of GKFG, President of First Global Financial Services and Managing Director of GK Capital Management. During his tenure he has been instrumental in driving GK’s expansion through strategic mergers, acquisitions, and greenfield startups, consistently delivering impressive growth across portfolios. Whittingham holds dual degrees in Systems Engineering and Economics from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Harvard Business School. In 2024 he was appointed Chairman of the Jamaica Stock Exchange, and he has served on several public and private sector boards.

These announcements come as GK prepares for another major leadership transition later this week. Last month, the Company confirmed that Group CEO, the Honourable Don Wehby, CD, OJ, will retire on February 14, 2025, stepping down from the Board of Directors after a distinguished tenure.

He will be succeeded by Frank James, current CEO of GK Foods Domestic and former Group CFO. GraceKennedy remains steadfast in its commitment to executing its strategy and ensuring excellence across all its operations.

These leadership changes align with the Company’s commitment to fostering a performance-driven culture while promoting innovation and consumer centricity. As the GK team strives to achieve its vision of becoming the number one Caribbean brand in the world, these appointments will provide continuity and strategically position GraceKennedy for sustained growth and innovation in the years ahead.

Derrimon Trading Company advises that Mr. Winston Thomas has resigned from the Board of Directors of Derrimon Trading effective January 31, 2025. We thank Mr. Thomas for his contribution to the Board and wish him every success in his future endeavours.

Sagicor Group Jamaica Limited (SJ) wishes to advise that Mr. Gilbert Palter resigned as a Director of SJ and its subsidiary, Sagicor Life Jamaica Limited (SLJ) effective January 31, 2025. SJ is pleased to announce that the SJ and SLJ Boards have approved the appointment of Ms. Cathleen McLaughlin as a Director of these companies effective February 1, 2025, subject to regulatory approval. Ms. McLaughlin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania as well as a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and has over three (3) decades of experience working in the area of Corporate Finance, including experience in capital markets in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Stefan Miller, as the acting CEO of Supreme Ventures Gaming Limited effective February 1, 2025.

Pan Jamaica Group Limited (‘PJG’) announces that Mr. Eric Scott, Deputy Chief Financial Officer will be leaving PJG to pursue other opportunities, effective March 31, 2025. PJG thanks Mr. Scott for his contribution to the Group and wishes him every success in his future endeavours.

GraceKennedy Limited has announced key leadership changes, effective February 14, 2025, coinciding with the company’s 103rd anniversary.

After a distinguished tenure, the Honourable Don Wehby, CD, OJ will retire as Group CEO on February 14, 2025, and step down from the Board of Directors. Mr. Wehby joined GraceKennedy in 1995 and was appointed Group CEO in 2011. During his tenure, the company more than doubled in size with revenue moving from J$58 billion in 2011, to J$155 billion in 2023.

Expansion through mergers and acquisitions has been a hallmark of Wehby’s leadership, enabling the company to grow regionally and globally. Under his guidance, it has become one of the largest and most dynamic entities in the Caribbean, with operations spanning the Caribbean, North and Central America, the United Kingdom, and Europe. “I am proud of the progress we have made during my tenure, and I am confident that the new leadership team will take GraceKennedy to even greater heights,” said Wehby. “I want to thank the Board, my colleagues, and our customers for their support over the years,” he added.

Frank James, current CEO of the company’s Domestic Foods Division and former Group CFO, will assume the position of Group CEO on February 14th, 2025, and be appointed to the Board on the same date. Mr. James joined GraceKennedy in 2005 as Vice President of Strategic Planning and Corporate Development. James quickly moved through the ranks, occupying senior roles in both the Food and Financial Services Divisions, before he was appointed Group CFO in 2012. He was also appointed to the Board of Directors that same year. In April 2019, James was appointed Chief Executive Officer, GK Foods Domestic, the largest division in the group of companies, where he has championed growth and efficiency. Under his leadership, revenues for GK Foods Domestic grew by more than sixty percent up to 2023 and continues on that growth path, with even greater growth in profitability over the period.

“I am honoured to take on the role of Group CEO and lead the GraceKennedy team,” said Mr James. “We will continue to focus on delivering value to our customers, shareholders, and the communities we serve,” he added.

Professor Gordon Shirley, Chairman of GraceKennedy Limited, commented, “Don Wehby is an exceptional leader who sees opportunities in challenges and leads by example. We are grateful for his innovative spirit, impeccable work ethic and dedication to ensuring that the company continues to make a difference in the communities we serve. Don’s leadership and vision has been instrumental in shaping the company into what it is today.”

He added, “We welcome Frank to his new role as Group CEO and I have every confidence that his strong leadership will ensure continued growth and innovation across the business. The best is yet to come for GraceKennedy.”

Professor Shirley also expressed his gratitude to Andrew Messado, GraceKennedy Group CFO, for his exemplary leadership during the transition period, following Don Wehby’s temporary leave of absence as Group CEO, in late 2024. The GraceKennedy Chairman noted, “Mr. Messado’s steady hand ensured the company’s continued momentum, and his contributions during this period are gratefully acknowledged.”

These leadership changes are in keeping with the company’s succession plan and are designed to ensure continuity and drive future growth, in line with its 2030 Vision of becoming the Caribbean’s #1 brand with Jamaican roots and a global reach.

GraceKennedy Limited has named Frank James as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as it announced the retirement of Don Wehby from the post.

In October last year, Wehby announced he was taking temporary leave from his role to focus on his health.

In a media release on Tuesday, GraceKennedy said Wehby will retire as Group CEO on February 14 and step down from the board of directors.

Wehby joined GraceKennedy in 1995 and was appointed Group CEO in 2011. During his tenure, the company more than doubled in size with revenue moving from $58 billion in 2011 to $155 billion in 2023.

Professor Gordon Shirley, Chairman of GraceKennedy Limited, commented, “Don Wehby is an exceptional leader who sees opportunities in challenges and leads by example. We are grateful for his innovative spirit, impeccable work ethic and dedication to ensuring that the company continues to make a difference in the communities we serve. Don’s leadership and vision has been instrumental in shaping the company into what it is today.”

James, who is the current CEO of the company’s Domestic Foods Division and former Group Chief Financial Officer, will assume the position of Group CEO on February 14 and be appointed to the board on the same date.

James joined GraceKennedy in 2005 as Vice President of Strategic Planning and Corporate Development. He quickly moved through the ranks, occupying senior roles in both the Food and Financial Services Divisions, before he was appointed Group CFO in 2012. He was also appointed to the board of directors that same year.

In April 2019, James was appointed Chief Executive Officer, GK Foods Domestic, the largest division in the group of companies, where he has championed growth and efficiency. Under his leadership, revenues for GK Foods Domestic grew by more than 60 per cent up to 2023.

In commenting on his new role, James. said, “We will continue to focus on delivering value to our customers, shareholders, and the communities we serve.”

Scotia Group Jamaica Limited has announced the resignation of Perrin Gayle, Executive Vice President of Retail and Small Business Banking and Acting Head of Retail (Caribbean and Central America) effective January 24, 2025. Perrin joined the organization in 2012 and held progressively senior roles in both Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica. During his tenure, Perrin made a very strong contribution to our team, and we wish him well. Upon Perrin’s departure, Yvett Anderson, the current Director of Customer Experience & Advocacy, will support the business as Acting Head of Retail and Small Business for Caribbean North and Central.

The Jamaica Stock Exchange (“JSE”) announces that the Managing Director, Dr. Marlene Street Forrest, will continue to serve in her current capacity until the Board of Directors has successfully completed the recruitment process for her successor.The JSE Board and Dr. Marlene Street Forrest are committed to ensuring a smooth transition to maintain the integrity, stability and continued growth of the organization. The recruitment process is well underway, and the Board remains focused on selecting a candidate who will uphold the JSE’s legacy of innovation and excellence in capital market development.

VM Investments Limited (VMIL) advises that Mrs. Nicole Adamson, who held the post of  Manager, Research, Business Planning and Investor Relations at VMIL and VM Wealth Management Limited (VMWM), resigned from the company effective December 31, 2024.

The Board of Directors of Pan Jamaica Group Limited (‘PJG’) has confirmed that Stephen Facey and Jeffrey Hall will remain as Chairman, and Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (‘CEO’) of PJG, respectively. PJG previously indicated its intention to name a successor to Mr. Hall as CEO and simultaneously to appoint Mr. Hall as Executive Chairman of PJG with effect from January 2025. The PJG Board has confirmed that both the company and the persons involved are completely satisfied with the current governance and executive leadership arrangements, and accordingly, the Board has elected to defer the planned succession.

Pan Jamaica Group Limited (‘PJG’) announces that Mr. Eric Scott, Deputy Chief Financial Officer will be leaving PJG to pursue other opportunities, effective March 31, 2025.

The Board of Directors of Derrimon Trading Company Limited (DTL) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ian C. Kelly, CD, as Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2025. Mr. Kelly, who joined Derrimon in 2011, most recently served as Group Chief Financial Officer, Executive Director, and Divisional Director at Sampars, Corporate Planner and Finance Director. Derrick Cotterell, the outgoing CEO and Chairman, will assume the role of Executive Chairman after 26 years of visionary leadership at the helm of the company. This leadership transition aligns with Derrimon’s robust corporate governance and strategic succession planning, ensuring the separation of the roles of CEO and Chairman. Mr. Kelly’s extensive accomplishments at Derrimon include spearheading the execution of many key mergers and acquisitions, the initial IPO in 2013 and negotiating and securing funding for Derrimon’s transformative projects, including the J$4.076 billion Additional Public Offering in 2021. His commitment to innovation and operational excellence positions him as a transformative leader for Derrimon’s next chapter.

Caribbean Assurance Brokers Limited advises of the resignation of Ms. Renee Edwards, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective December 12, 2024. Ms. Sheba Grant, the Chief Accountant, will now oversee the company’s financial operations.

Wigton Energy Limited (“WIG”) has advised that Dr. Wayne McKenzie, OD has been appointed an independent, non-executive Director on WIG’s Board of Directors effective December 16, 2024.

The Board of Directors of Seprod Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. A. Mark Hart to the Board effective November 27, 2024. Mr. Hart is the founder of Caribbean Producers (Jamaica) Limited and has served in the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman.

NCB Financial Group Limited (NCBFG) is pleased to announce that Mr Richard Look Kin will be appointed as Head of Group Risk Management for NCBFG and National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCBJ), effective December 4, 2024. Mr Look Kin replaces Ms Allison Wynter, Group Chief Risk Officer – NCBFG and Chief Risk Officer – NCBJ. Ms Wynter will continue to provide support through a transition period. Mr Look Kin has over two decades of experience in the financial services sector across the Caribbean including enterprise risk management, investment management and corporate and investment banking.

Dave Morrison has been appointed CEO of Advantage General Insurance Company Limited (AGIC). This became effective on December 1, 2024.
President & CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica Limited and Chairman of AGIC, Christopher Zacca, says Mr. Morrison “comes with a keen vision to build on the strong legacy Advantage General has established over the years.

Scotia Group Jamaica Limited was recently assessed by the Bank of Jamaica and was awarded a license to operate, as a Financial Holding Company effective July 24, 2024;
Appointments:

➢ Anya Schnoor, Chair Scotia Group Jamaica Limited has been appointed to a new role, Executive Vice President, Global Insurance effective November 1, 2024. With this appointment Anya will provide strategic direction and oversight responsibilities to the Insurance Business within International Banking.

➢ Perrin Gayle, SVP Retail & Small Business has been appointed Acting Head of Retail Banking, Caribbean and Central America (CCA) effective November 1, 2024. With this expanded mandate Perrin will manage the execution of regional segment strategies and design in local markets with focus on client experience. He will also have oversight of the local market product platforms and digital performance, including overall accountability for performance measurement and salesforce compensation.

➢ Sabrina Cooper, SVP Wealth Management and CEO Scotia Investments Jamaica Limited has been appointed Regional Director, Brokerage, CCA, effective September 2, 2024. With this expanded role Sabrina will continue to lead the Wealth business in Jamaica and oversee accountability for offshore brokerage implementation within the Caribbean & Central America

➢ Debra Lopez-Spence, President Scotia Jamaica Life Insurance Company Limited has been appointed Regional Head Insurance, North & Central Region effective November 25, 2024. With this expanded mandate, Debra will also be responsible for providing strategic direction, leadership and oversight for the growth and profitability of the wider Caribbean Insurance business to support the strategic goals of Scotiabank’s Global Insurance business. Specifically, Debra will now oversee the markets within Caribbean North and Central, which includes Jamaica, Cayman, Turks & Caicos and Bahamas.

The Guardsman Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicholas Benjamin as Deputy Executive Chairman, effective September 24, 2024. With 16 years of experience across various roles in the organization and 12 years on our Board of Directors, Nicholas has demonstrated exemplary leadership, innovation, and a people-centered approach that aligns with Guardsman’s core values. David Whittaker as Deputy Group Managing Director, effective September 26, 2024. David’s remarkable journey with Guardsman began 16 years ago as Chief Internal Auditor, where he showcased exceptional skills in governance and risk management. His keen insights have driven significant improvements across our internal processes. David’s career progression, dedication, and vision make him an outstanding choice to lead us into the future. Tania Hall has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of Beryllium Limited, overseeing the day-to-day operations. Tania joined Guardsman Armoured in 2014 and has risen through the ranks with roles including Customer Service and Business Development Officer, CIT/ATM/Customer Service Manager, Senior Manager for Service Delivery, Vice President of Client Relations, and most recently, Senior Vice President. Sue-Ann Reid now serves as Group Vice President, International Markets, assuming leadership of our Eastern Caribbean entities. Sue-Ann joined the Guardsman Group in 2012 as Audit and Procurement Manager and later became Operations Manager for Guardsman Bahamas Limited. Her work has been pivotal in expanding our footprint across the region, laying the foundation for our strong presence in the Caribbean market. Kadeen Turnbull, who has been with Orkin Jamaica since 2016, has been promoted to General Manager. Her journey has been marked by her adaptability, ambition, and commitment to excellence, excelling in various roles, including Branch Manager in 2022, where she also managed MOPS. In her new role, Kadeen will lead both Orkin Jamaica and MOPS into their next phase of growth. Tamika Davis-Burrell promotion to Branch Manager of Orkin Jamaica and Masters of Property Sanitation (MOPS). With over 10 years of service in the Guardsman Group, Tamika has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, a commitment to teamwork, and a passion for fostering strong client relationships.