Kraft Heinz appoints Steve Cahillane as CEO amid planned company separation
Cahillane is joining from Kellanova, now in the hands of Mars, while board chair Miguel Patricio is also stepping down.
USA – Kraft Heinz has appointed Steve Cahillane as its new chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2026.
Cahillane, who most recently served as chairman, president, and CEO of Kellanova until its acquisition by Mars, Inc., completed on December 11, 2025, will also join the company’s board of directors.
In addition, Cahillane will lead Global Taste Elevation Co. after Kraft Heinz completes its separation into two independent public companies.
The transaction, announced in September 2025, aims to create focused entities: Global Taste Elevation Co. for international growth brands and North American Grocery Co. for regional staples.
The split is expected to close in the second half of 2026.
Current CEO Carlos Abrams-Rivera will step down on January 1, 2026, and remain as an advisor until March 6, 2026, to support the transition.
John T. Cahill, vice chair of the board and former CEO of the pre-merger Kraft, will become board chair while continuing to oversee the separation committee. Miguel Patricio stays on as a board member.
Cahillane expressed enthusiasm for the role in a statement. “I am honored to be joining Kraft Heinz as CEO at such a pivotal and exciting time,” he said.
He highlighted his personal connection to the company’s brands and his career focus on brand building, adding that the separation will help the firm compete more effectively.
With over 30 years in the industry, Cahillane previously held senior positions at The Nature’s Bounty Co., The Coca-Cola Company, and Anheuser-Busch InBev.
At Kellanova, formerly part of Kellogg Co., he managed global snacks like Pringles and Cheez-It, and guided the 2023 split that created the snacking-focused entity.
The board has launched a global search for the CEO of North American Grocery Co.
Kraft Heinz continues prior sustainability efforts in packaging.
In 2023, the company partnered with Berry Global to launch a fully recyclable cap for its iconic squeezable ketchup bottles, improving recyclability of plastic packaging.
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