Effective January, Steve Cahillane will assume the role of CEO for the Kraft Heinz Company. Additionally, he will join the board of directors and take on the CEO position for Global Taste Elevation Co., following the firm’s strategic split into two independent, publicly traded entities.
Carlos Abrams-Rivera, who has led Kraft Heinz for the past two years, will step down next year but will continue as an advisor until March 6, 2026, ensuring a smooth transition amid evolving food manufacturing trends.
Cahillane transitions from his role as chairman, president, and CEO of Kellanova. This move follows Kellanova’s recent acquisition by Mars Inc.
During his tenure, Cahillane guided Kellanova through considerable growth, including expansions within their global brand portfolio featuring Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, and Kellogg’s. Furthermore, he played a pivotal role during the company’s split from its North American cereal division, leading to the establishment of Kellanova.
Prior to joining Kellanova, Cahillane built an impressive background with senior leadership positions at various notable firms, including The Nature’s Bounty Co., The Coca-Cola Company, and AB InBev—demonstrating his comprehensive understanding of food and drink industry innovation.
“I am honoured to be joining Kraft Heinz as CEO at such a pivotal and exciting time,” Cahillane stated. “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.”
As part of the leadership transition, John Cahill, vice chair of Kraft Heinz’s Board and former CEO of Kraft, will transition to board chair. He will continue overseeing the Board’s Separation Committee, which he has led since its inception earlier this year. In light of food distribution trends, the Board is initiating a global search for a CEO for North American Grocery Co.
Kraft Heinz announced plans to separate into two standalone companies in September, now referred to as Global Taste Elevation Co. and North American Grocery Co., with renaming expected later. This strategic split aims to alleviate complexity, thereby enhancing operational and strategic focus pertinent to food and drink sustainability.
The proposed separation seeks to ensure a tax-free outcome for Kraft Heinz and its shareholders, with the transaction expected to finalize in the latter half of 2026, aligning with ongoing food and drink regulations and market dynamics.