Kraft Heinz has named former Kellanova chief executive Steve Cahillane as its next CEO, effective Jan. 1. He will succeed Carlos Abrams-Rivera, who will step down at the start of the year and remain on as an advisor through March 6 to support the transition.
Cahillane will also join Kraft Heinz’s board and serve as CEO of Global Taste Elevation Co., one of the two businesses that will emerge from the planned separation – the other business being North American Grocery Co.
“I am honored to be joining Kraft Heinz as CEO at such a pivotal and exciting time,” Cahillane said in a statement, citing both a personal connection to the brands and confidence that the separation will sharpen the company’s competitive edge.
Cahillane brings extensive CPG leadership experience, most recently serving as chairman, president and CEO of Kellanova. There, he led the company through its own separation from Kellogg Company, expanded a global snacking portfolio including Pringles, Cheez-It and Pop-Tarts, and navigated its acquisition by Mars, Inc. in December 2025. His prior roles include president and CEO of The Nature’s Bounty Co., president of Coca-Cola Americas and senior executive positions at AB InBev.
Board reshuffle and governance changes
Miguel Patricio, Kraft Heinz board chair, called Cahillane “uniquely qualified” to guide the company through its next chapter while thanking Abrams-Rivera for laying the groundwork for the separation.
Vice Chair John Cahill, who previously served as CEO of Kraft, will become board chair and continue to lead the Separation Committee. Kraft Heinz will also begin a global search for a CEO to lead North American Grocery Co.
Strategic rationale: two focused companies
The leadership transition coincides with Kraft Heinz’s September 2025 announcement to split into Global Taste Elevation Co. and North American Grocery Co., designed to reduce complexity and allow each entity to focus on its distinct strategic priorities.
The separation, expected to close in the second half of 2026 pending approvals, is intended to be tax-free for shareholders. The announcement comes amid soft consumer demand, which Kraft Heinz has addressed with increased marketing efforts signaling a focus on brand execution and operational strategics as it prepares to operate as two standalone companies.
Looking ahead
With Cahillane at the helm, Kraft Heinz aims to position itself to leverage his expertise in brand building, portfolio management and corporate separations, setting the stage for both Global Taste Elevation Co. and North American Grocery Co. to compete more effectively as standalone companies.
