The Kraft Heinz Company today announced that it has named Steve Cahillane as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective January 1, 2026. Current CEO, Carlos Abrams-Rivera will step down January 1 and serve as an advisor to the Company until March 6, 2026.
Steve Cahillane joins Heinz after serving as CEO of Kellanova, formerly Kellogg Company, from October 2017 until it was acquired by Mars, Incorporated in December 2025. Before Kellogg, in 2014, Cahillane became President and CEO of The Nature’s Bounty Co. Cahillane also spent seven years at The Coca-Cola Company, most recently as President of Coca-Cola Americas, the company’s largest segment with $25 billion in sales. Prior to Coca-Cola, he spent eight years with AB InBev.
Cahillane told investors, “I am honored to be joining Kraft Heinz as CEO at such a pivotal and exciting time. 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.”
Miguel Patricio, Chair of the Board, stated, “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.”
Kraft Heinz announced in September that it was separating into two standalone companies, Global Taste Elevation Co. and North American Grocery Co. The separation is designed to maximize Kraft Heinz’s capabilities and brands while reducing complexity, allowing both new companies to more effectively deploy resources toward their distinct strategic priorities.
The proposed separation is intended to close in the second half of 2026.
By CEO NA Editorial Staff
