The Kraft Heinz Company has appointed Carlos Abrams-Rivera as chief executive officer and a member of the board, effective 1 January 2024.
He will take over as CEO from Miguel Patricio, who has served as the company’s chief executive since 2019 and chair of the board since 2022. Patricio will transition to the role of non-executive chair of the board on 1 January 2024.
In the meantime, Abrams-Rivera will continue in his role as president of the North America zone with the added responsibilities of becoming president of Kraft Heinz, effective immediately.
Patricio said: “Carlos is the best person to lead the next phase of the company’s transformation. 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.”
Jack Pope, lead director of the board, commented: “We are extremely grateful for Miguel’s leadership over the past four years…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 continued: “[Abrams-Rivera] is an experienced leader with a long tenure in the food and beverage industry who has shown consistency and excellence in execution. Carlos’ leadership in transforming North America with innovative partnerships, tech-enabled solutions and developing and attracting world class talent will serve the company well into the future. We look forward to continuing to work with him.”
Abrams-Rivera stated: “I am humbled and honoured to be appointed as the new CEO of Kraft Heinz. 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.”
By Gwen Jones
Source: foodbev.com
Heineken has named Guillaume Duverdier as its new regional president for Africa Middle East (AME), effective 1 July 2025. Duverdier will also join the company’s executive team, succeeding Roland Pirmez, who is retiring after 29 years with the brewer.
The transaction, of which the financial terms were not disclosed, includes seven facilities in total: three dry corn milling facilities in Nebraska, Kansas and Illinois; three dry masa facilities in Texas, Indiana and Iowa; and a transload and packaging facility in Mexico. The dry corn milling division will continue to be headquartered in St Louis, Missouri.
As part of the changes, Elizabeth Duggan, current senior vice president and general manager, will now be president of the company’s snacks division as of 12 May, taking over from Chris Foley, who will step down in July after 25 years with Campbell’s.
