The Kraft Heinz Co. has announced that the board of directors will appoint CEO Miguel Patricio as chairman, subject to his re-election at the Kraft Heinz 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. After years of service, the current chairman, Alexandre Behring, will retire following the end of his term at the annual meeting.
“We are very pleased with the progress experienced by the company in advancing its strategic plan during the past few years under Miguel’s leadership and see his elevation to chair as a natural progression, providing a continuation of strong and consistent stewardship to guide the company well into the future,” said Behring. “I have enjoyed my time working alongside Miguel, the board and the Kraft Heinz leadership team.”
“Alex’s contribution to Kraft Heinz has been invaluable and his impact will continue to be felt for many years,” Patricio said. “I am truly honored at the opportunity to succeed him as chair.”
“On behalf of Berkshire Hathaway, I would like to thank Alex for his dedication, leadership and service to Kraft Heinz. Alex and I have worked closely together since 2013, when we both served on the H.J. Heinz Board, and I know our relationship will extend well into the future,” said Greg Abel, member of the Kraft Heinz Board of Directors and vice chair of non-insurance operations at Berkshire Hathaway. “We look forward to working with Miguel as chair as his vision for the company’s transformation continues to move the business forward.”
The company also announced that the board has nominated James Park of Fitbit at Google to stand for election at the annual meeting.
“I am also thrilled by the prospect of adding James Park to our board,” Patricio said. “Technology and digital capabilities are extremely important elements of our continuing business strategy. His background and experience will be especially valuable to Kraft Heinz and the board as we begin the next phase of our transformation.”
Park is a technology entrepreneur who co-founded Fitbit Inc., a connected health and fitness company, that was acquired by Google in January 2021. Park is VP and general manager of Fitbit at Google. He previously served as CEO, president and member of the board of directors of Fitbit since 2007, and as chairman of the board of directors from 2015, until its acquisition.
He is a leader in the technology industry with a track record of ideating and operating successful technology companies. Park was also the co-founder of Wind-Up Labs Inc., an online photo sharing company acquired by CNET Networks Inc. in 2005, and Epesi Technologies Inc.
In 2015, he was named to Fortune magazine’s 40 Under 40, an annual ranking of the most influential young people in business.
To learn more, visit kraftheinzcompany.com.
