The Kraft Heinz Company has announced that Carlos Abrams-Rivera will rise to the position of chief executive officer and join the board of directors on January 1, 2024. Until then, he will continue in the role as president of the North America Zone with the added responsibilities of becoming president of Kraft Heinz.
Abrams-Rivera (pictured at left in above photo) will assume the helm from Miguel Patricio (seen at right), who has served as chief executive officer since 2019 and chairman of the board since 2022. Patricio will transition to the role of non-executive chairman on January 1.
The American multinational company, co-headquartered in Chicago and Pittsburgh, ranked as the fifth largest food and beverage marketer in the world, generated approximately $26 billion in sales last year. In addition to shelf stable Heinz Ketchup, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, Grey Poupon Mustard, and refrigerated sliced cheese, it range of frozen retail products includes Smart Ones ready meals, Ore-Ida Tater Tots, french fries, hash browns and mashed potatoes, Bagel Bites, Nancy’s quiches and TGIF Fridays snacks, appetizers and side dishes.
“Carlos is the best person to lead the next phase of the company’s transformation,” said Patricio. “His strategic and innovative mindset is ideal to continue to propel Kraft Heinz forward… Since joining 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, remarked: “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. 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 as CEO. He is an experienced leader with a long tenure in the food and beverage industry who has shown consistency and excellence in execution.”
Thanking Patricio for his mentorship, Abrams-Rivera added: “I am humbled and honored to be appointed as the new chief executive officer of Kraft Heinz. 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.”
