There’s a new Sheriff in town, Kraft Heinz names Steve Cahillane as CEO

The Kraft Heinz Company (KHC) announced Steve Cahillane will become chief executive officer on January 1, 2026, according to a company statement. Current CEO Carlos Abrams-Rivera will step down on that date and serve as an advisor until March 6, 2026.

Cahillane will join Kraft Heinz’s Board of Directors and serve as CEO of Global Taste Elevation Co. following the company’s planned separation into two independent, publicly traded companies. The separation was announced in September 2025 and is expected to close in the second half of 2026.

The incoming CEO previously served as chairman, president and CEO of Kellanova until its acquisition by Mars, Incorporated in December 2025. During his tenure at Kellanova, formerly Kellogg Company, Cahillane oversaw the expansion of brands including Pringles, Cheez-It and Pop-Tarts. He also led Kellogg Company through the separation of its North American cereal business.

Prior to Kellanova, Cahillane held executive positions at The Nature’s Bounty Co., The Coca-Cola Company and AB InBev over his 30-plus year career. At Coca-Cola, he served as president of Coca-Cola Americas, a business with $25 billion in sales.

As part of the leadership transition, John T. Cahill will succeed Miguel Patricio as board chair. Cahill previously served as CEO of Kraft prior to its combination with Heinz and currently leads the board’s Separation Committee. Patricio will continue as a board member.

The board will conduct a search for a CEO to lead North American Grocery Co., the second company that will emerge from the planned separation. The separation is intended to be tax-free for Kraft Heinz and its shareholders, subject to customary conditions including final board approval and regulatory filings.