The Kraft Heinz Company Appoints Nicolas Amaya as President, North America
The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ: KHC), one of the world’s leading food and beverage companies, has announced the appointment of Nicolas Amaya as President, North America, effective February 23, 2026. In his new role, Amaya will assume full leadership of the Company’s North America business, overseeing strategy development, commercial execution, operational performance, and long-term growth initiatives across its largest and most strategically important market.
Amaya succeeds Pedro Navio, who will step down from his position as President, North America, on February 22, 2026, to pursue new professional opportunities. To facilitate a seamless leadership transition, Navio will continue to support the organization in an advisory capacity through March 6.
Leadership Transition in North America
The leadership change marks an important moment for Kraft Heinz as it continues to evolve its North American operations amid shifting consumer preferences, intensifying competition, and an increasingly dynamic retail environment. North America represents the Company’s largest revenue base, home to many of its most iconic brands and key retail partnerships.
Pedro Navio’s departure concludes an impactful eight-year tenure with the Company. During his time at Kraft Heinz, Navio held multiple leadership positions and played a significant role in shaping business strategy, strengthening operational performance, and positioning the organization for sustainable growth. His leadership spanned various business segments and geographies, helping drive commercial momentum and organizational alignment during a period of transformation.
The Company expressed appreciation for Navio’s contributions, acknowledging the role he played in advancing core business priorities and guiding teams through a rapidly changing marketplace. His continued involvement as an advisor during the transition period is expected to ensure continuity and maintain strategic momentum.
Nicolas Amaya’s Mandate: Driving Growth and Modernization
As President, North America, Nicolas Amaya will lead all aspects of the region’s operations. His responsibilities will include strengthening brand equity, enhancing customer partnerships, optimizing supply chain and operational performance, and accelerating profitable growth across retail and foodservice channels.
North America remains central to Kraft Heinz’s global ambitions. The region encompasses a diverse portfolio of household-name brands across categories such as condiments, sauces, meals, snacks, and beverages. Modernizing these brands to meet evolving consumer demands—such as increased interest in health-conscious options, convenience, sustainability, and premium experiences—will be a key focus area under Amaya’s leadership.
In remarks following his appointment, Amaya emphasized the Company’s strong brand foundation and growth potential. He highlighted the significant opportunity to modernize legacy brands for today’s consumers while making targeted investments to drive innovation, marketing effectiveness, and operational excellence. His comments reflect a broader strategy aimed at revitalizing iconic products while building new avenues for expansion.
Extensive CPG Experience
Amaya brings to Kraft Heinz a wealth of global and North American leadership experience across the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a consistent ability to drive profitable growth by strengthening brand portfolios, refining commercial strategies, and building high-performing organizations.
Most recently, Amaya served in senior executive roles at Kellanova, where he played a central role in advancing the company’s commercial strategy and operational transformation. His work included optimizing go-to-market approaches, enhancing customer engagement, and delivering disciplined execution across complex and competitive markets.
Prior to his time at Kellanova, Amaya developed deep industry expertise through leadership roles within the broader Kellogg organization, further strengthening his understanding of category management, brand building, and customer partnerships. His career trajectory reflects a balance of strategic vision and hands-on operational leadership—an important combination as Kraft Heinz continues its transformation journey.
Recognized for Customer-Centric Leadership
A defining characteristic of Amaya’s leadership style is his strong customer-centric approach. He is widely recognized for building robust relationships with key retail and distribution partners while aligning internal teams around clear performance objectives.
In today’s North American food and beverage landscape, close collaboration with retailers, supply chain partners, and emerging distribution platforms is essential. The market continues to evolve rapidly, shaped by digital commerce growth, private label expansion, and changing consumer expectations. Amaya’s experience navigating these complexities positions him well to guide Kraft Heinz’s North American business through its next phase of growth.
His leadership track record also includes fostering high-performing teams and promoting accountability-driven cultures. By combining disciplined execution with people-focused leadership, Amaya aims to accelerate performance while maintaining organizational alignment.
CEO Endorsement and Strategic Alignment
Steve Cahillane, Chief Executive Officer of Kraft Heinz, expressed strong confidence in Amaya’s appointment, citing his extensive experience and proven ability to drive transformation in competitive markets.
Cahillane emphasized that as Kraft Heinz continues to build momentum across its North American operations, the Company requires a leader who combines commercial rigor, operational excellence, and people leadership. He noted his longstanding professional relationship with Amaya, having worked closely with him during their time at Kellogg and later at Kellanova. This shared history is expected to support strategic continuity and alignment at the executive level.
According to Cahillane, Amaya’s leadership will be instrumental in advancing Kraft Heinz’s broader objective of returning the North America business to sustained, profitable growth. The Company has been focused on strengthening brand investment, improving supply chain efficiency, and enhancing financial discipline—initiatives that align closely with Amaya’s expertise.
Strategic Priorities for North America
Under Amaya’s leadership, Kraft Heinz is expected to continue prioritizing several strategic pillars within the North American market:
Brand Renovation and Innovation
The Company aims to modernize its iconic brands to remain relevant with younger and more diverse consumer segments. This includes product reformulation, packaging updates, and targeted marketing investments.
Operational Excellence
Strengthening supply chain resilience and improving cost structures remain critical priorities. Operational efficiency will play a central role in supporting margin expansion and long-term profitability.
Customer and Channel Expansion
With retail dynamics evolving rapidly, enhancing relationships with major retailers and expanding presence in e-commerce and alternative channels will be essential.
Organizational Performance
Building agile, accountable teams capable of executing at scale will underpin the Company’s transformation efforts.
Positioning for Long-Term Growth
The appointment of Nicolas Amaya signals Kraft Heinz’s commitment to strengthening leadership in its largest market at a pivotal time for the food and beverage industry. As consumer behaviors shift and competition intensifies, the Company is seeking to balance its heritage as a portfolio of iconic brands with the agility required in today’s marketplace.
By combining strategic investments, operational discipline, and brand revitalization efforts, Kraft Heinz aims to enhance its competitive position and restore consistent, profitable growth in North America.
With his deep CPG expertise, proven transformation experience, and customer-focused leadership style, Nicolas Amaya is expected to play a central role in shaping the Company’s next chapter in the region.
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