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Breaking News

Conagra Names John Brase President, CEO

Smucker executive to lead company following Sean Connolly’s departure

By Prepared Foods Editorial Staff
Brase Conagra CEO
IMAGE COURTESY OF: Conagra Brands, Inc.
April 14, 2026

Conagra Brands, Inc. announced that John Brase has been named president and chief executive officer of the company, effective June 1, 2026. Brase will also join Conagra's board of directors. He succeeds Sean Connolly, who will step away from his leadership roles and from the Board on May 31, 2026, after more than a decade of leadership.

Brase brings more than 35 years of consumer goods experience, with deep expertise in strategic portfolio management, brand building and driving operational excellence to deliver profitable growth. Most recently, he served as president and chief operating officer of The J.M. Smucker Co., where he oversaw the company's US retail, international and Away from Home businesses, as well as its sales, operations and supply chain functions. During his tenure at Smucker, he sharpened strategic and operational execution, drove growth in key brands and led significant productivity improvements. Prior to that, Brase spent approximately 30 years at Procter & Gamble (P&G), ultimately becoming senior vice president and general manager of P&G's $6 billion North America Family Care business. During his P&G career, he drove profitable growth across major brands, including Charmin, Bounty, Puffs and Pampers, consistently delivering market share leadership and margin expansion.

"John's track record of driving top- and bottom-line performance, building brands across multiple consumer-packaged goods categories, leveraging advantaged business systems and leading inclusive, results-driven cultures is exceptional, and we are confident Conagra will thrive under his leadership," Richard H. Lenny, independent chair of Conagra's board of directors, said in a statment. "The decision to appoint John as Conagra's next leader follows our thoughtful approach to succession planning, including discussions with Sean, and our determination that now is the right time for this leadership transition."

Lenny continued, "From the moment Sean became Conagra's CEO eleven years ago, he has worked tirelessly to create and lead a pure-play food company. His ability to unlock value in Conagra's brands, streamline the Company's structure and motivate his team has been exceptional. He has successfully led Conagra through extraordinary times in our industry—from the global pandemic, to unprecedented inflation and supply chain disruptions—by instilling a 'refuse to lose' mindset across the Company. As a Director, Sean played a key role in the addition of eight independent Directors to the Board. We thank Sean for all that he accomplished for Conagra's investors, customers and employees and wish him continued future success. We are confident in the road ahead for Conagra, and I look forward to working with both Sean and John in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition."

KEYWORDS: conagra brands food executive

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