Aug 15, 2023New CEO to take helm at Kraft Heinz Co. in January
A new CEO will take the helm of the Kraft Heinz Co. effective Jan. 1, 2024. Carlos Abrams-Rivera, currently president of the company’s North America Zone, will also become president of Kraft Heinz, effective immediately.
Abrams-Rivera will succeed Miguel Patricio, Kraft Heinz CEO since 2019 and board chair since 2022. Patricio will become nonexecutive board chair on Jan. 1.
“I am humbled and honored to be appointed as the new CEO of Kraft Heinz,” Abrams-Rivera said in a news release. “I would like to thank Miguel for his mentorship, all he has done to rekindle the spirit of Kraft Heinz and our culture, and for his partnership, now and in the future. I would also like to thank the board of directors for placing its trust in me. Finally, to the thousands of colleagues across Kraft Heinz that have welcomed and trusted me, I am excited to go into a bright future together.”
In his role as executive vice president and president of the North America Zone, Abrams-Rivera has overseen the company’s U.S. and Canadian operations.
“Carlos is the best person to lead the next phase of the company’s transformation,” Patricio said in the release. “His strategic and innovative mindset is ideal to continue to propel Kraft Heinz forward on our path to greatness.
“Since joining Kraft Heinz in 2020, he has consistently delivered strong results in the North American retail and Away From Home businesses. Carlos’ experience in both developed and emerging markets complements our ambition for growth.”
Patricio led Kraft Heinz through consumer trend changes, global business challenges and consistent growth, according to the release.
“We are extremely grateful for Miguel’s leadership over the past four years. He has a deep understanding of marketing and consumers, which was instrumental to the company’s turnaround,” Jack Pope, board lead director, said in the release. “The transition from Miguel to Carlos reflects the board’s thoughtful succession planning, and we are confident that the company will continue to accelerate growth with Carlos assuming the role of CEO. He is an experienced leader with a long tenure in the food and beverage industry who has shown consistency and excellence in execution.”
Earlier this month, Kraft Heinz added three members to its North America leadership team.
