Kraft Heinz Names Steve Cahillane CEO Ahead of Company Split

The Kraft Heinz Company has named seasoned customer goods executive Steve Cahilane as its next CEO, signalling a decisive step in the packaged food maker’s efforts to revive growth and reposition itself ahead of a planned breakup into two independent public companies.

Steve will assume the CEO role on 1 January 2026, succeeding Carlos Abrams-Rivera, who will step down and remain on as an advisor through 6 March to support the leadership transition.

The new CEO will also join Kraft Heinz board and is slated to lead Global Taste Elevation Co., the sauces and condiments-focused business that will emerge following the company’s planned separation.

Discussing his appointment, Steve said: “I am honoured 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.”

He added that the planned split would “accelerate the company’s ability to compete and win in today’s environment and unlock the immense opportunity in front of us”.

Veteran deal-maker takes the helm 

Kraft Heinz announced in September that it would separate its operations into two standalone companies: one centred on condiments and sauces such as Heinz ketchup, and another focused on North American grocery brands including Oscar Mayer and other processed food staples.

The transaction, expected to close in the second half of 2026, is designed to sharpen strategic focus and reduce operational complexity after years of sluggish sales and underperformance.

Steve arrives with extensive experience navigating corporate transformations. Most recently, he served as Chairman, President and CEO of Kellanova, the global snacking company. 

Under his leadership, Kellanova expanded its portfolio of global brands including Pringles, Cheez-It and Pop-Tarts, before being acquired by Mars for roughly US$36bn in December 2025.

Earlier in his career, Steve held senior leadership roles at The Nature’s Bounty Co., The Coca-Cola Company and AB InBev, building a reputation as a brand-focused executive with deep operational experience across global consumer markets.

Leadership shift signals new strategic focus 

Miguel Patricio, Kraft Heinz’s outgoing Board Chair, said Steve’s background made him uniquely suited for the moment. He said: “Steve is uniquely qualified to lead this organisation into the future,” adding that Carlos has helped make the company “more agile and innovative” and laid the groundwork for the upcoming separation.

As part of the leadership reshuffle, John T. Cahill, Vice Chair of the Board and former Kraft CEO, will succeed Patricio as Board Chair. John will continue to oversee the Board’s Separation Committee.

Kraft Heinz also said it will begin a global search for a CEO to lead North American Grocery Co., after Carlos was initially expected to run that business following the split.

The leadership change comes amid mounting pressure on Kraft Heinz to reverse years of declining shareholder value.

The company’s shares have fallen roughly 75% from their 2017 peak, and its valuation trails peers such as PepsiCo, Coca-Cola and Mondelez.

Steve has acknowledged the challenges ahead, including slow organic growth, shifting consumer preferences toward fresher foods and competition from private-label brands.

With inflation, economic uncertainty and changing eating habits reshaping the packaged food landscape, Kraft Heinz is betting that experienced leadership and a more focused structure can help restore momentum and investor confidence.