Steve Cahillane will step into the position of CEO for the Kraft Heinz Company this January. He will also join the board of directors and serve as CEO of Global Taste Elevation Co., following the company’s split into two independent, publicly traded companies.
Carlos Abrams-Rivera, who has been at the helm of Kraft Heinz for the last two years will step down next year, serving as an advisor until 6 March 2026 to help with the transition.
Cahillane joins the company from his role as chairman, president and CEO of Kellanova. His move to Kraft Heinz follows Kellanova’s recent acquisition by Mars Inc.
During his tenure at Kellanova, Cahillane led the company through a period of significant growth, overseeing the expansion of the firm’s global brand portfolio, including Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, and Kellogg’s.
He was also at the helm during the company’s separation of its North American cereal business and the launch of Kellanova.
Prior to Kellanova, Cahillane’s experience includes several senior leadership roles at companies including The Nature’s Bounty Co., The Coca-Cola Company, and AB InBev.
“I am honoured to be joining Kraft Heinz as CEO at such a pivotal and exciting time,” Cahillane said. “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, who previously served as CEO of Kraft prior to the combination with Heinz, will become board chair. Cahill will continue to head up the Board’s Separation Committee, which he has led since its formation earlier this year.
The Board is initiating a global search for a CEO to lead North American Grocery Co.
Kraft Heinz announced its intention to separate into two standalone companies in September. These are being referred to as Global Taste Elevation Co. and North American Grocery Co., but both will be renamed later.
The split is designed to reduce complexity within the business and to give it greater strategic and operational focus.
The proposed separation is intended to be tax-free for Kraft Heinz and its shareholders. Kraft Heinz currently expects the transaction to close in the second half of 2026.
