CHICAGO, December 17, 2025 — Several of the largest companies in the food-away-from-home business have announced changes this week in their top management.
Here’s a roundup of the companies and their new leadership:
The Kraft Heinz Co.
Poised for a split into two companies, the food giant said this week that it has hired former Kellanova chief Steve Cahillane to serve as its last CEO. The announcement indicated that Cahillane will move to the CEO’s job at one of the companies created by the de-merger, Global Taste Elevation Co., following the uncoupling.
Global Taste will manage such well-known brands as Kraft Mac & Cheese, Heinz-brand condiments, and Philadelphia Cream Cheese. About 20% of its revenues are projected to come from the food-away-from-home market.
Cahillane will succeed Kraft Heinz CEO Carlos Abrams-Rivera on Jan. 1. Abrams-Rivera will serve as a consultant to the company until March 6, Kraft Heinz indicated.
Among Abrams-Rivera's duties as a consultant will be to assist in finding a CEO for the second public company to be formed by the reorganization, North American Grocery Co. Its portfolio will include Oscar Meyer-brand products, Lunchables, and Kraft Singles.
Kraft Heinz had said in announcing the split back in September that Abrams-Rivera would lead North American Grocery. No reason was provided for the change in plans.
Cahillane brings deep experience in the food business to his new post. He was until a few days ago the CEO, President, and Chairman of Kellanova, the parent of such brands as Pop-Tarts, Pringles, and Rice Krispy Treats.
He stepped down upon completion of Kellanova’s acquisition by Mars Inc., the candy and snack giant, for $35.9 billion.
Kellanova was formed by a split of Kellogg Co. into two operations, with Kellanova taking the company’s snack brands and the other successor entity, WK Kellogg Co., holding onto the concern’s North American cereal business.
Cahillane was CEO of Kellogg Co. at the time of its split.
Earlier, he served as CEO and President of The Nature’s Bounty Co., a supplier of healthy snacks, and President of Coca-Cola Americas for The Coca-Cola Co.
Pepsico
The beverages and snack foods behemoth said Monday that Ram Krishnan, CEO of U.S. Beverages, will move up to CEO of Pepsico North America, with responsibility for both beverages and foods.
He succeeds Steven Williams, who was named EVP, Vice Chairman, and Global Chief Commercial Officer.
Krishnan’s team now includes Rachel Ferdinando, who remains CEO of U.S. Foods Category; Mike Del Pozzo, who was promoted to President, U.S. Beverage Category; Gregg Roden, who retained responsibility for Pepsico’s North American supply chain; and Bryan Santee, now U.S. Chief Commercial Officer.
Krishnan’s responsibility will also extend to oversight of a test venture, Texoma, where beverage and food operations will be combined in a search for synergies.
The Hain Celestial Group
The healthy-snacks and tea company announced Monday that acting CEO and President Alison E. Lewis will assume those posts on a permanent basis, effective immediately. Lewis had been serving in those roles since May.
Hain said the board decided to make Lewis’ duties permanent after observing her in action. She brings a wealth of experience in consumer goods to the posts, having served as Chief Growth Officer for Kimberly-Clarke and CMO of Johnson & Johnson.
The Coca-Cola Co.
The company announced that EVP and COO Henrique Braun will move up to CEO on March 31 to succeed James Quincey, who has held the job for nine years.
Quincey will shift to Executive Chairman.
In addition to his management roles, Braun will be nominated for a seat on Coke’s board, according to last week’s announcement.
The company indicated that Braun will have three strategic imperatives after taking the helm: seeking global growth opportunities; getting closer to consumers; and leveraging technology.