Kraft Heinz CEO Steve Cahillane to Lead After Split

Kraft Heinz CEO Steve Cahillane will assume the chief executive role on Jan. 1, 2026, the company said in a Dec. 16 press release. He will lead Global Taste Elevation Co. as Kraft Heinz separates into two public companies expected in the second half of 2026.

Leadership Transition and Split Structure

Cahillane, who previously served as chairman, president, and CEO of Kellanova before its acquisition by Mars, will join Kraft Heinz’s board as a director. Carlos Abrams-Rivera will step down as CEO on Jan. 1 and remain with the company as an adviser through March 6, 2026. The board appointed John Cahill as chair and launched a search for a CEO to lead North American Grocery Co.

The split, announced on Sept. 2, 2025, will create two publicly traded companies. Global Taste Elevation Co., which Cahillane will lead, will include higher-growth branded products such as Heinz, Philadelphia, Kraft Mac & Cheese, and categories like sauces, spreads, and seasonings. This unit had projected 2024 sales of $15.4 billion. The other company, North American Grocery Co., will house brands including Oscar Mayer, Kraft Singles, Ore-Ida, and Lunchables. The separation requires final board and SEC approval.

By naming Cahillane, Kraft Heinz has aligned leadership with its branded portfolio ahead of the split. The board’s governance changes and the executive search for the grocery unit establish the management structure investors will monitor as the company moves toward the expected close in the second half of 2026.

"Steve Cahillane will join Kraft Heinz as CEO on January 1, 2026, following the company's planned separation into two independent, publicly traded companies," the company said in its press release.