The Kraft Heinz Co. has named Steve Cahillane as its CEO, effective Jan. 1. He will also join the company’s board of directors and serve as CEO of Global Taste Elevation Co. following Kraft Heinz’s planned separation into two independent companies.
Carlos Abrams-Rivera will step down Jan. 1 and serve as an advisor to the company until March 6, to ensure a transition.
“I am honored to be joining Kraft Heinz as CEO at such a pivotal and exciting time,” Cahillane said. “Like millions of people around the world, I have a personal connection to the Kraft Heinz brands, dating back to my childhood. I’ve devoted my entire career to building brands, and the opportunity to do the same with Kraft Heinz’s iconic portfolio is a dream come true.
“I’m confident the planned separation will accelerate the company’s ability to compete and win in today’s environment and unlock the immense opportunity in front of us. I’m looking forward to working with the team to write this exciting next chapter together.”
Cahillane brings industry experience to Kraft Heinz, having served as chairman, president and CEO of Kellanova until its acquisition by Mars Inc. During his time at Kellanova, Cahillane led the company through a period of growth, overseeing the expansion of the company’s global brand portfolio, including Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, Kellogg’s (International) and other brands.
He also led Kellogg Co. through the separation of its North American cereal business and the launch of Kellanova, a global snacking company. Over the course of his career, Cahillane has held senior executive roles at The Nature’s Bounty Co., The Coca-Cola Co. and AB InBev.
“Steve is uniquely qualified to lead this organization into the future, and we are delighted he will be taking on the role of CEO. His track record and experience in the industry are unparalleled and will be invaluable as we embark on this next chapter,” said Miguel Patricio, chair of the board at Kraft Heinz.
“On behalf of the board and everyone at Kraft Heinz, we are grateful to Carlos for his many contributions to the company, serving not only as CEO but in other leadership roles. Carlos helped transform the company into a more agile and innovative organization and laid the groundwork for the upcoming separation. We are excited about the road ahead for Kraft Heinz.”
As part of the leadership transition, John T. Cahill, vice chair of Kraft Heinz’s board who served as CEO of Kraft prior to the combination with Heinz, will become board chair.
Cahill will continue to lead the board’s separation committee, which he has led since its formation earlier this year. Miguel Patricio will continue to serve as a board member of Kraft Heinz. The board also will initiate a global search for a CEO to lead North American Grocery Co.
“I want to express the board’s deep gratitude to Miguel for stepping in to help prepare the company and leadership team for the proposed separation. With this transition, he will now be able to focus on his many other commitments while continuing to serve on the board of Kraft Heinz,” Cahill said. “I look forward to taking on the role of chair as we usher in an exciting new era for the company, with Steve Cahillane at the helm.”
Cahillane serves on the Northwestern University Board of Trustees, the Smithsonian National Board and the Colgate-Palmolive Board of Directors. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Northwestern University and an MBA from Harvard University.
Following an evaluation of potential strategic transactions, Kraft Heinz announced in September that it was separating into two standalone companies – Global Taste Elevation Co. and North American Grocery Co. Both companies, which will be named later, will have strategic and operational focus to serve customers and consumers.
The separation is designed to maximize Kraft Heinz’s capabilities and brands while reducing complexity, allowing both new companies to deploy resources toward their distinct strategic priorities. The proposed separation is intended to be tax-free for Kraft Heinz and its shareholders.
Kraft Heinz expects the transaction to close in the second half of 2026. It will follow the satisfaction of conditions, including final approval by the Kraft Heinz Board of Directors, receipt of a tax opinion with respect to the tax-free nature of the separation and effectiveness of filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
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