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- Kraft Heinz names new CEO ahead of major split (foxbusiness.com)
Kraft Heinz Taps Former Kellanova CEO Steve Cahillane to Lead Ahead of Major Split
Chicago, IL – The Kraft Heinz Co. is making big moves, announcing Tuesday that former Kellanova CEO Steve Cahillane will step in as chief executive next year, just as the food giant prepares to split into two independent, publicly traded companies.
Cahillane is set to take the helm on January 1, succeeding Carlos Abrams-Rivera, who will remain with the company as an advisor until March to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.
Once the separation is complete later in 2026, Cahillane will spearhead the new entity dubbed “Global Taste Elevation.” This company will oversee an impressive roster of beloved brands, including Heinz, Philadelphia, and Kraft Mac & Cheese.
The strategic decision to divide into two distinct companies was approved by Kraft Heinz’s board of directors in September. The aim is to foster two more focused, less complex organizations, allowing each to maximize its respective brands and boost profitability. The company projects this tax-free spinoff to occur in the second half of 2026.
The other forthcoming company, currently referred to as “North American Grocery,” will manage a portfolio of essential grocery staples like Oscar Mayer, Kraft Singles, and Lunchables. Official names for the new companies have yet to be finalized, and the leader for the North American Grocery business has not yet been announced.
“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,” Cahillane stated. “I’m looking forward to working with the team to write this exciting next chapter together.”
Cahillane brings a wealth of relevant experience, having successfully guided Kellogg through its own separation of its North American cereal business and the subsequent launch of Kellanova. This transition occurred after Kellogg’s acquisition by Mars Inc. in December 2025. During his tenure at Kellanova, Cahillane was instrumental in expanding the company’s global brand portfolio, which includes popular names like Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, and Kellogg’s International.
Before his time at Kellanova, Cahillane held significant executive positions at The Nature’s Bounty Co., Coca-Cola, and AB InBev. His proven track record in leading major food and beverage companies through transformative periods positions him as a strategic choice for Kraft Heinz’s ambitious future.
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- Kraft Heinz names new CEO ahead of major split (foxbusiness.com)