USA – American multinational food company The Kraft Heinz Co. has named Andre Maciel as global chief financial officer. 

Maciel who has been with the Chicago-based company since 2013 will succeed Paulo Basilio, who is stepping down on March 2. 

He comes to the role with a deep insight into the Kraft Heinz business having served the company in such roles as vice president of global financial planning and analysis and managing director of continental Europe. 

“Andre’s combination of business and finance experience makes him a trusted leader,” Mr. Patricio said.

“His most recent work on digital transformation sets the foundation for our company’s future. I look forward to his partnership in building on our momentum and continuing our focus on long-term profitable growth.” 

The maker of Heinz ketchup brand has also named Yang Xu as the new global head of corporate development for the company.  

Ms. Xu is currently the global head of treasury and M&A for the company. She has been with the company since 2018 and is based in Amsterdam. 

Both Maciel and Xu will report to Kraft Heinz’s chief executive officer, Miguel Patricio. 

The departing CFO Mr. Basilio has been with Kraft Heinz since 2013. In addition to serving as CFO he also has been president of the company’s US zone. 

“I look back over these years in amazement on everything that the company has been able to accomplish,” Mr. Patricio said.  

“Paulo has been a critical part of our success. He executed an ambitious acquisitions and divestitures strategy and debt reduction plan.” 

Basilio will also be remembered for driving the development of the company’s five-year strategic plan and his role in returning the company to sustained organic net sales and profitability growth. 

He will remain with Kraft Heinz as a strategic adviser through August 2022, according to the company. 

Utz Brands strengthening distribution network with acquisitions 

Meanwhile, American snack food company Utz Brands, Inc. is acquiring two direct-store delivery (DSD) distributors of Utz’s products in the New York City region.  

Brooklyn NY-based Clem Snacks is the largest of the two DSDs and has approximately 100 DSD routes.  

The other DSD, J&D serves the Bronx and has approximately 25 routes. 

Utz says the combined acquisition of the 125 DSD routes in New York City and the surrounding region will enable it to accelerate share gains in the salty snack category across the geographic area, according to the company. 

“These two key distribution partners have been representing and distributing Utz’s brands in the five boroughs of New York City and Long Island, NY, over the last 25 years,” said Steve Liantonio, senior vice president of national sales operations for Utz.  

“We look forward to working closely with our independent operator network to expand and grow our expansive portfolio of brands in this vibrant and diverse market.”  

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