The Kraft Heinz Company has named Steve Cahillane as its next chief executive officer, marking a major leadership shift as the company prepares to split into two independent businesses. Kraft Heinz said Cahillane will assume the role on Jan. 1, 2026, succeeding Carlos Abrams-Rivera and joining the board of directors the same day.
The appointment of Kraft Heinz CEO Steve Cahillane places a seasoned consumer packaged goods executive at the helm during one of the company’s most consequential transitions in decades. Cahillane will also serve as CEO of Global Taste Elevation Co., one of the two entities that will emerge from Kraft Heinz’s planned separation.
Abrams-Rivera will step down at the start of the year and remain an advisor through March 6, 2026, to ensure continuity and a smooth leadership handoff.
A Leadership Change Timed to Transformation
Kraft Heinz framed the decision as a strategic move aligned with its separation plan, announced in September 2025. The company intends to divide into Global Taste Elevation Co. and North American Grocery Co., each operating as a standalone, publicly traded business.
Cahillane called the role a personal milestone and said the breakup will sharpen competitiveness.
He said the separation will help Kraft Heinz move faster, focus more clearly on brand building, and unlock growth opportunities across categories and regions.
Board Chair Miguel Patricio said Cahillane’s experience makes him uniquely qualified to lead during the transition. He credited Abrams-Rivera with reshaping the organization and preparing it for the upcoming split.
Kraft Heinz CEO Steve Cahillane Brings Deep CPG Credentials
Cahillane most recently served as chairman, president, and CEO of Kellanova, the global snacking company formed after Kellogg’s separated its North American cereal business. He led Kellanova until its acquisition by Mars Inc. in December 2025.
During that tenure, Cahillane oversaw portfolio expansion across brands such as Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, and Kellogg’s international businesses. He also guided the operational and structural separation that created Kellanova, an experience Kraft Heinz now views as directly relevant.
Earlier in his career, Cahillane served as CEO of The Nature’s Bounty Co., where he led the global health and wellness business. Before that, he spent seven years at The Coca-Cola Company, including as president of Coca-Cola Americas, the beverage giant’s largest unit by revenue.
He also held senior leadership roles at AB InBev, building a career that spans beverages, snacks, packaged foods, and wellness.
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Board Changes Follow the CEO Appointment
Alongside the CEO announcement, Kraft Heinz outlined additional governance changes. John T. Cahill, vice chair of the board and former Kraft CEO before the Kraft-Heinz merger, will become board chair effective Jan. 1.
Cahill will continue to lead the board’s Separation Committee, which has overseen planning and execution of the breakup since earlier this year. Patricio will remain on the board but step away from the chair role.
The board also said it will launch a global search for a CEO to lead North American Grocery Co., the second business created through the separation.
What the Separation Means for Kraft Heinz
The company expects the separation to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals, tax opinions, and final board approval. The company intends the transaction to be tax-free for shareholders.
Management said the move will reduce operational complexity and allow each company to allocate capital and resources more precisely. Global Taste Elevation Co. will focus on faster-growing and international brands, while North American Grocery Co. will concentrate on core U.S. and Canadian grocery staples.
With Kraft Heinz CEO Steve Cahillane taking charge, the company signals continuity in strategy rather than disruption. His track record suggests a focus on disciplined execution, brand investment, and portfolio clarity.
As Kraft Heinz enters its post-merger era, the leadership change underscores a broader reset aimed at restoring growth and relevance in an increasingly competitive food industry.