Kraft Heinz taps former Kellanova CEO to lead company ahead of breakup
CNBC·2025-12-16 12:00

Core Viewpoint - Kraft Heinz is planning to split into two separately traded companies, reversing its 2015 merger orchestrated by Warren Buffett [1] Group 1: Leadership Changes - Steve Cahillane, former CEO of Kellanova, will become the CEO of Kraft Heinz on January 1, leading the company post-split [2] - Cahillane previously oversaw Kellogg's breakup in 2023, which separated its North American cereal business from its snacking unit [3] - Carlos Abrams-Rivera, the outgoing CEO, will transition to an advisory role until March 6 [3] Group 2: Company Structure Post-Split - The new entity, Global Taste Elevation, will include high-growth brands such as Heinz, Philadelphia, and Kraft Mac & Cheese [2] - Kraft Heinz is searching for a new CEO to lead the North American Grocery segment, which includes brands like Oscar Mayer and Kraft Singles [4] - John Cahill will succeed Miguel Patricio as chair of the board during this transition [4] Group 3: Timeline and Projections - The separation of Kraft Heinz into two publicly traded companies is projected to occur in the second half of 2026 [4]