Kraft Heinz appoints Steve Cahillane as chief executive officer

The Kraft Heinz Company has announced the appointment of Steve Cahillane as chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2026. Cahillane will also join the company’s Board of Directors and serve as chief executive officer of Global Taste Elevation Co. following Kraft Heinz’s planned separation into two independent, publicly traded companies.

Carlos Abrams-Rivera will step down as chief executive officer on January 1, 2026, and will remain with the company as an advisor through March 6, 2026, to support the leadership transition, according to Kraft Heinz.

Cahillane most recently served as chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Kellanova until its acquisition by Mars, Incorporated. During his tenure, he led the separation of Kellogg Company’s North American cereal business and the formation of Kellanova, overseeing the expansion of a global brand portfolio that included Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, and Kellogg’s (International) brands. His career spans more than three decades, with prior senior leadership roles at The Nature’s Bounty Co., The Coca-Cola Company, and Anheuser-Busch InBev.

Miguel Patricio, current chair of the Kraft Heinz Board, said Cahillane’s experience leading complex organizational transitions positions him to guide the company through its next phase. Patricio also acknowledged Abrams-Rivera’s role in advancing operational agility and preparing the company for the upcoming separation.

As part of the leadership transition, John T. Cahill, vice chair of the Kraft Heinz Board, will assume the role of board chair. Cahill will continue to lead the board’s Separation Committee. Patricio will remain on the Board of Directors.

Kraft Heinz also announced that it will begin a global search for a chief executive officer to lead North American Grocery Co., one of the two businesses expected to emerge following the planned separation.