The Kraft Heinz Company announced that it has named Steve Cahillane as chief executive officer of the company, effective Jan. 1, 2026. He will also join the company’s board of directors and serve as CEO of Global Taste Elevation Co. following Kraft Heinz’s planned separation into two independent, publicly traded companies. Carlos Abrams-Rivera will step down Jan. 1 and serve as an advisor to the company until March 6, 2026, to ensure a seamless leadership transition.

Cahillane brings a wealth of industry experience to Kraft Heinz, having most recently served as chairman, president and CEO of Kellanova until its recent acquisition by Mars, Incorporated. During his time at the helm of Kellanova, Cahillane led the company through a period of transformative growth, overseeing the expansion of the company’s iconic global brand portfolio, including Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, Kellogg’s (International) and other beloved household staples. 

He also led Kellogg Company through the successful separation of its North American cereal business and the launch of Kellanova, a global snacking powerhouse. Over the course of his thirty-plus-year career, Cahillane has held senior executive roles at The Nature’s Bounty Co., The Coca-Cola Company and AB InBev.

As part of the leadership transition, John T. 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 lead the board’s separation committee, which he has led since its formation earlier this year. Miguel Patricio will continue to serve as a board member of Kraft Heinz. The board will also initiate a global search for a CEO to lead North American Grocery Co.

Cahillane serves on the Northwestern University Board of Trustees, the Smithsonian National Board, and the Colgate-Palmolive board of directors. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Northwestern University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard University.