Kraft Heinz Company announced Steve Cahillane will take the helm as the company’s CEO effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Cahillane will 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 traded companies. Carlos Abrams-Rivera will step down on Jan. 1 and serve as an advisor to the company until March 6, 2026.
John T. Cahill will succeed Miguel Patricio as Board Chair as part of the transition. Patricio will continue to serve as a board member of the company, which plans to initiate a global search for a CEO to lead North American Grocery Co.
“Like millions of people around the world, I have a deeply personal connection to the Kraft Heinz brands, dating back to my childhood,” Cahillane said. “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.”
Cahillane previously served as chairman, president and CEO of Kellanova until its acquisition by Mars Inc. There, he led the company through a transformative growth period and oversaw the expansion of the company’s global brand portfolio that included Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts and Kellog’s (International). He also led the Kellogg Company through a successful separation of its cereal business and the launch of Kellanova, a global snacking company. Cahillane has also served in senior executive roles at The Nature’s Bounty Co., The Coca-Cola Company and AB InBev.
Kraft Heinz plans to maintain its dual headquarters in Pittsburgh and Chicago after it splits into two companies. It currently expects the transaction to close in the second half of 2026.