Frank James becomes CEO of GraceKennedy on Friday.
February 12, 2025
GK’s next chapter: Coy, James, and Whittingham to lead strategic shift
GraceKennedy Limited (GK) is reshaping its leadership structure, placing its entire food division—both domestic and international—under one leader for the first time.
Effective February 14, 2025, Andrea Coy will take on the newly expanded role of CEO of GraceKennedy Foods, a move that signals a strategic shift in how the conglomerate manages one of its most critical business segments. Meanwhile, Steven Whittingham will take over as CEO of GraceKennedy Financial Group (GKFG) in August.
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Coy’s promotion reflects GK’s drive for greater operational efficiency and global expansion in its food business, which has been a core revenue driver for the company. The integration of GK’s domestic and international food operations under a single leader is a departure from previous leadership structures, where the two segments were managed separately. Until now, Frank James—who is set to take over as group CEO on the same date—held the domestic food portfolio, while Coy oversaw the international business.
The move also ensures continuity at a time when Jamaican food brands are expanding beyond traditional Caribbean markets, competing with multinational players in North America and Europe.
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Coy, a GK veteran of nearly two decades, has been instrumental in expanding the company’s global food distribution and driving profitability across multiple markets. Over the past two years, she has demonstrated her ability to navigate complex global markets, particularly during one of the most challenging post-pandemic periods marked by supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures, and rising distribution costs.
Despite these obstacles, GK successfully expanded its global distribution footprint, strengthening partnerships with major retailers such as Walmart, Publix, Kroger, Tesco, and Asda. Under her direction, GK also shifted its international logistics strategy from direct-to-store deliveries to a warehouse distribution model, improving efficiency and service levels. Product innovation was another key focus, with 13 new product launches, targeted marketing campaigns, and increased investment in core brands such as Grace, La Fe, Nurishment, and Encona helping to drive consumer loyalty and revenue growth. These efforts contributed to triple-digit profit growth in Canada, while GK Foods USA maintained revenue momentum despite tightening market conditions
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The restructuring follows a period of strong financial performance, with GK recording $126.39 billion in revenue for the first nine months of 2024, a 7.3 per cent increase year-over-year. The food segment remains GK’s dominant revenue driver, accounting for over 78 per cent of total earnings.
Coy’s appointment comes amid GK’s ongoing executive transition, as the company prepares for the departure of longtime Group CEO Don Wehby and the elevation of Frank James to the top post. The timing is significant, as GK will celebrate its 103rd anniversary on February 14, aligning these leadership changes with a key milestone in the company’s history.
Wehby, who has led GK for nearly 15 years, took a temporary leave of absence for health reasons in October 2024, with Group CFO Andrew Messado overseeing day-to-day operations in his absence. While Wehby will officially retire on Friday, his leadership has been instrumental in expanding GK’s footprint in financial services and strengthening its regional presence.
Alongside Coy’s expanded role, Whittingham has been named as the next CEO of GraceKennedy Financial Group (GKFG), taking over in August 2025 following the retirement of Grace Burnett. With a track record of driving mergers, acquisitions, and digital transformation, Whittingham’s tenure is expected to focus on expanding GK’s financial services footprint in an increasingly competitive regional banking and fintech landscape.
Since joining GraceKennedy in 2013, Whittingham has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s financial growth strategy. As deputy CEO of GK Financial Group (GKFG) since 2022, he has led the group’s insurance segment, merchant banking, and investment portfolios, while also spearheading GraceKennedy’s digital transformation efforts.
A key figure in GK’s executive leadership, Whittingham has navigated high-stakes mergers, acquisitions, and greenfield start-ups, driving consistent portfolio growth. His tenure has seen him take on several high-impact roles, 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.
“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,” the company said in a press statement.
— Karena Bennett
