The Kraft Heinz Company has announced the appointment of industry veteran Steve Cahillane as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2026. The high-profile hire comes at a critical juncture for the food giant as it prepares to execute a major structural separation into two independent, publicly traded businesses.
Cahillane is set to lead Global Taste Elevation Co, one of the two distinct entities emerging from the planned split originally announced in September 2025.
Strategic Restructuring and Roles
The company is moving forward with its plan to divide operations into "Global Taste Elevation Co" and "North American Grocery Co," with the transaction expected to close in the second half of 2026 pending customary approvals.
Upon taking the helm, Cahillane will join the Kraft Heinz board of directors. His primary mandate will be to guide the Global Taste Elevation entity, while the board initiates a separate search for a CEO to lead the North American Grocery Co. The separation is designed to provide both businesses with greater strategic focus, allowing for the deployment of resources around distinct growth priorities.
Cahillane succeeds current CEO Carlos Abrams-Rivera, who will step down on 1 January 2026. To ensure a smooth handover during this volatile transition period, Abrams-Rivera will remain with the company in an advisory capacity through March 2026.
Cahillane joins Kraft Heinz immediately following the conclusion of a significant chapter in the industry. He most recently served as Chairman, President, and CEO of Kellanova (formerly Kellogg Company), guiding the business until its acquisition by Mars, Inc. in December 2025.
His resume includes extensive senior leadership experience across the food and beverage landscape, including roles at The Nature’s Bounty Co, The Coca-Cola Company, and AB InBev.
Board Governance Changes
In conjunction with the CEO appointment, the company has announced shifts within its board governance structure:
New Chair: John T. Cahill, currently Vice Chair and former CEO of Kraft Foods, will succeed Miguel Patricio as Board Chair.
Separation Committee: John T. Cahill will continue to oversee the board’s Separation Committee, which is steering the restructuring efforts.
Director Retention: Miguel Patricio will remain on the board following the transition.
Kraft Heinz Appoints Steve Cahillane as CEO to Lead Strategic Split into Two Entities
