The Kraft Heinz Company has introduced five new members to its executive leadership team, who will collaborate with Carlos Abrams-Rivera upon assuming the CEO role in 2024.
In August 2023, Kraft Heinz announced that Abrams-Rivera would transition from his position as president of the North America zone to succeed the departing Miguel Patricio as chief executive.
Pedro Navio will assume the position of North America president at the beginning of next year, having previously served as president of taste, meals and away from home in North America since 2017.
In addition, Willem Brandt, Bruno Keller, Cory Onell and Diana Frost will join Abrams-Rivera and Navio on the executive leadership team.
Brant has been promoted to the role of president of Europe and Pacific developed markets, while Keller will serve as president of west and east emerging markets. Brant has been with Kraft Heinz since 2021, serving as the president of continental Europe, and Keller has been part of Kraft Heinz since 2014, holding various leadership positions, including managing director for south Europe, president of Canada, and most recently, president of the Latin America zone.
Meanwhile, Onell was elevated to the role of chief omnichannel sales & Asia emerging markets officer, moving up from the role of president of US sales, and Frost was promoted to chief growth officer. Frost joined Kraft Heinz in 2020, most recently as chief growth officer for North America.
Abrams-Rivera said: “Over the past four years under Miguel’s leadership, we’ve made great progress and now have a solid foundation to build our future. Our strategic plan maps our ‘jobs to be done’ in each of our ‘must-win’ markets and defines the areas where we believe we need to focus to accelerate our growth. Our updated structure is designed to help us activate that strategy – with a focus on profitable growth and a dynamic omnichannel plan.”
He added: “I am incredibly proud these are internal elevations as it reflects the quality of the talent and focus on people development at Kraft Heinz. I’m thrilled to welcome Pedro, Willem, Bruno, Cory and Diana in their new roles, and I am confident these are the leaders to help take Kraft Heinz to the next level and power our growth as we set our course to lead the future of food.”
The new members of the executive leadership team will start their roles at the beginning of the fiscal year 2024.
By Rafaela Sousa
Source: foodbev.com
Danone has appointed Carla Hilhorst to the newly created position of senior vice president of research and innovation categories and zones, as the company looks to make science the heart of its business. Hilhorst, who brings over 30 years of experience in research and innovation, will report directly to Isabelle Esser, Danone’s chief research, innovation, quality and food safety officer.
The move, part of Pernod Ricard’s strategy to enhance its premiumisation efforts, will allow the company to focus more resources on its portfolio of premium international spirits and champagne brands that drive the growth of its business. This decision aligns with the company’s commitment to delivering sustainable value for shareholders, employees, clients and partners.
Schai – who is the current CEO of Swiss chocolate company Lindt & Sprüngli’s Australian operation – has previously worked with Aryzta from 2015-2018, where he served in roles including managing director for Asia Pacific and global strategic business lead (McDonald’s). The fast-food giant McDonald’s is one of Aryzta’s significant clients.
