The Kraft Heinz Co. has appointed Carlos Abrams-Rivera as CEO and a member of the board, effective Jan. 1.
Abrams-Rivera will take over from Miguel Patricio, who has served as CEO since 2019 and chair of the board since 2022. Patricio will transition to the role of non-executive chair of the board.
Until then, Abrams-Rivera will continue in his role as EVP and president of the North America Zone, where he 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. “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 [and leadership] in both developed and emerging markets complements our ambition for growth.
“I feel privileged to entrust Carlos with the leadership of this great company, and I am confident that Kraft Heinz is poised for more growth in the years to come.”
Since 2019, when Patricio joined the company, he has led Kraft Heinz through a period of fundamental change in consumer trends, unprecedented business and global challenges and consistent periods of top and bottom-line growth.
“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,” said Jack Pope, lead director of the board.
“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.
“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.”
Saying he was “ humbled and honored” with the appointment, Abrams-Rivera credited Patricio for his support.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
