Conagra Brands has announced leadership changes designed to streamline the company’s structure, with two business unit leaders moving to become direct reports of President and CEO John Brase and EVP and COO Tom McGough retiring after nearly two decades with the company.
Noelle O’Mara, EVP and president of Refrigerated and Frozen, and Jill Dexter, EVP and president of Grocery & Snacks, now will report directly to Brase. Burke Raine will assume the role of EVP and chief growth officer, also reporting to Brase, overseeing Foodservice, International and the company’s R&D efforts in addition to leading growth initiatives across the organization.
McGough will retire effective Sept. 4, and the COO role will be eliminated upon his departure.
Move designed to get closer to customers
“Being close to our customers and the consumer is vital as we simplify Conagra and position the company for profitable growth,” Brase said. “Noelle, Jill and Burke are outstanding leaders, and the opportunity to work directly with them will enable us to improve efficiency as we execute our strategy.
“On behalf of the board and all of us at Conagra, I want to thank Tom for his many contributions to this company over nearly two decades. He has been particularly helpful to me as I immerse myself in the business, and I look forward to benefitting from his expertise until he begins his well-deserved retirement in the fall.”
McGough expressed confidence in the company’s direction under Brase, who took over as CEO June 1.
“Conagra has extraordinary brands, incredible people and a lot of runway ahead,” McGough said. “John has a clear vision for where this company is going, and I have every confidence that the team will help him get there. I am proud of what we have built together and look forward to a smooth transition in the months ahead.”
Chicago-based Conagra Brands is one of North America’s leading branded food companies, with a portfolio that includes Birds Eye, Duncan Hines, Healthy Choice, Marie Callender’s, Reddi-wip, Slim Jim and Angie’s Boomchickapop. The company generated fiscal 2026 net sales of more than $11 billion.