Steve Cahillane appointed CEO of The Kraft Heinz Company

The Kraft Heinz Company has announced that Steve Cahillane will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026. 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, publicly listed companies.

Current CEO Carlos Abrams-Rivera will step down on January 1, 2026, and will remain in an advisory capacity until March 6, 2026, to ensure a smooth transition.

“I am honored to be joining Kraft Heinz as CEO at such a pivotal and exciting time,” said Cahillane. “Like millions around the world, I have a personal connection to Kraft Heinz brands from my childhood. I have devoted my career to building brands, and the opportunity to do so with this iconic portfolio is a dream come true. I am confident the planned separation will accelerate the company’s competitiveness and unlock tremendous potential. I look forward to collaborating with the team to write the next chapter together.”

Cahillane brings extensive leadership experience to Kraft Heinz. He most recently served as Chairman, President, and CEO of Kellanova, which was acquired by Mars, Incorporated. During his tenure, he led major transformations, expanded the global portfolio with brands such as Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, and Kellogg’s international businesses, and played a key role in separating Kellogg’s North American cereal business to establish Kellanova as a global snacking company. Over a 30-year career, he has also held senior leadership positions at The Nature’s Bounty Co., The Coca-Cola Company, and AB InBev.

“Steve is uniquely qualified to lead the organization into the future,” said Miguel Patricio, Chair of the Board, Kraft Heinz. “His industry experience and proven track record will be invaluable as we embark on this next chapter.”

The Board also expressed gratitude to Carlos Abrams-Rivera for his contributions. “Carlos has helped transform the company into a more agile and innovative organization and laid the groundwork for the upcoming separation. We are grateful for his leadership and look forward to the road ahead for Kraft Heinz,” said Patricio.

As part of the leadership changes, John T. Cahill, currently Vice Chair of the Board, will become Board Chair and continue to lead the Board’s Separation Committee. Miguel Patricio will remain on the Board, and a global search will begin for a CEO to lead North American Grocery Co.

“I want to thank Miguel for his leadership in preparing the company and team for the proposed separation. With this transition, he can focus on his other commitments while continuing to serve on the Board,” said John T. Cahill. “I am excited to take on the role of Chair as we enter a new era for the company, with Steve Cahillane at the helm.”

Cahillane led Kellogg Company, later Kellanova, as CEO from 2017 until its acquisition in December 2025. He previously served as President and CEO of The Nature’s Bounty Co., held senior roles at Coca-Cola including President of Coca-Cola Americas, and held leadership positions at AB InBev. He currently serves on the boards of Northwestern University, the Smithsonian National Board, and Colgate-Palmolive. Cahillane holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Northwestern University and an MBA from Harvard University.