Born in St. Andrew, Jamaica, to Donald George Wehby (Sr.) and Marie Elena Wehby, Donald George Wehby (Jr.) was educated at St. George's College,the University of the West Indies, Stanford University - Advanced Management College and Institute of Chartered Accountants.

He holds a Master's of Science in Accounting, a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, an ECA, a Fellow Chartered Accountant and a Certificate in Advanced Management.

Mr. Wehby is considered by his colleagues in the private sector as one of the youngest and most dynamic professionals in the financial field.

During his tenure as chief operating officer of the Financial Services Division, the division's pre-tax profit increased from $280 million in 2000 to $1.417 billion in 2005, an increase of 406 per cent. He also contributed to making GraceKennedy Limited, one of the region's largest food conglomerates, the first Jamaican cross-listed company. Outside of listing on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, the company listed in Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange sited in St. Kitts.

Under his stewardship, he was partially responsible for several acquisitions made by the company, including the 100 per cent ownership of First Global Bank Limited and the most recent acquisition of the successful U.K. ethnic Food company, WT Foods.

Two-year leave of absence

Mr. Wehby was granted a two-year leave of absence to serve in the new Cabinet by Douglas Orane, Chairman & CEO, GraceKennedy Limited.

"GraceKennedy has had a long tradition of encouraging its executives to give public service, and Don's decision to proceed is in keeping with this tradition," said Mr. Orane. "It 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."

He added: "We wish Don every success in this new endeavour to which he has unselfishly committed himself in the interest of our country, Jamaica, Land We Love."

FACT FILE

1995-97 - He joined GraceKennedy Limited in 1995 as Group Finance Manager. He was appointed DeputyFinance Director in 1997 and to the Board of GraceKennedy in 1997.

1998 - He was appointed Group Chief Financial Officer

2005 - He was appointed Group Chief Financial Officer, including heading a new Strategic Planning Unit, relinquishing an additional role as Chief Operating Officer.

2006 - Deputy Chief Executive Officer, GraceKennedy Limited, and Chief Executive Officer, GK Investments