Steve Cahillane named CEO of The Kraft Heinz Company

Steve Cahillane most recently served as Chairman, President and CEO of Kellanova

by e4m Staff
Published: Dec 19, 2025 2:28 PM | 4 min read

Steve Cahillane appointed CEO of The Kraft Heinz Company

Steve Cahillane will become the CEO of Kraft Heinz on January 1, 2026, following the company's planned split into two publicly listed entities.
Current CEO Carlos Abrams-Rivera will step down on January 1 but will remain in an advisory role until March 6, 2026, to ensure a smooth transition.
Cahillane brings over 30 years of leadership experience, having previously served as CEO of Kellanova and held senior roles at The Coca-Cola Company and AB InBev.
John T. Cahill will transition from Vice Chair to Board Chair, and a global search for a new CEO for North American Grocery Co. will commence.

The Kraft Heinz Company has announced that Steve Cahillane will take over as Chief Executive Officer from January 1, 2026. He will also join the company’s Board of Directors and will serve as CEO of Global Taste Elevation Co. after Kraft Heinz completes its planned split into two separate, publicly listed companies.

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

“I am honored to be joining Kraft Heinz as CEO at such a pivotal and exciting time,” said Cahillane. “Like millions of people around the world, I have a deeply personal connection to the Kraft Heinz brands, dating back to my childhood. I’ve devoted my entire career to building brands, and the opportunity to do the same with Kraft Heinz’s iconic portfolio is a dream come true. I’m confident the planned separation will accelerate the Company’s ability to compete and win in today’s environment and unlock the immense opportunity in front of us. I’m looking forward to working with the team to write this exciting next chapter together.”

Cahillane joins Kraft Heinz with extensive leadership experience. Most recently, he served as Chairman, President and CEO of Kellanova, which was acquired by Mars, Incorporated. During his tenure, he guided the business through major transformation, expanding its global portfolio with well-known brands such as Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts and Kellogg’s international businesses. He also played a key role in separating Kellogg’s North American cereal business and establishing Kellanova as a global snacking company. Over a career spanning more than 30 years, he has held senior leadership roles at The Nature’s Bounty Co., The Coca-Cola Company and AB InBev.

“Steve is uniquely qualified to lead this organization into the future, and we are delighted he will be taking on the role of CEO. His track record and experience in the industry are unparalleled and will be invaluable as we embark on this next chapter,” said Miguel Patricio, Chair of the Board, Kraft Heinz. “On behalf of the Board and everyone at Kraft Heinz, we are incredibly grateful to Carlos for his many contributions to the Company, serving not only as CEO but in other critical leadership roles. Carlos helped transform the Company into a more agile and innovative organization and laid the groundwork for the upcoming separation. We are excited about the road ahead for Kraft Heinz.”

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

“I want to express the Board’s deep gratitude to Miguel for stepping in to help prepare the Company and leadership team for the proposed separation. With this transition, he will now be able to focus on his many other commitments, while continuing to serve on the Board of Kraft Heinz,” said John T. Cahill, Vice Chair of the Board, Kraft Heinz. “I look forward to taking on the role of Chair as we usher in an exciting new era for the Company, with Steve Cahillane at the helm.”

Cahillane served as CEO of Kellogg Company, later renamed Kellanova, from 2017 until its acquisition in December 2025. Before that, he was President and CEO of The Nature’s Bounty Co. and earlier held senior roles at Coca-Cola, including President of Coca-Cola Americas, as well as 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.

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Published On: Dec 19, 2025 2:28 PM

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