Kraft Heinz taps Campbell executive Abrams-Rivera as new US zone president

USA – The Kraft Heinz Company has appointed the president of Campbell Snacks Carlos Abrams-Rivera as the company’s new US Zone President, effective February 3, 2020.

Abrams-Rivera, 52, will join the company after a successful career spanning more than two decades at companies including Campbell Soup Company, Mondelēz International, and Kraft Foods.

Abrams-Rivera joined Campbell in 2015 and most recently served as Executive Vice President and President, Campbell Snacks, a new division that represents nearly 50 percent of Campbell’s annual sales.

He will be stepping down from the position t Campbell on 1 February 2020 to join Kraft Heinz on February 3.

His roles at Mondelēz International from 2012-2015 included President of Gum & Candy for Mondelēz Latin America; President, Mondelēz Mexico; Senior VP, Global Beverages; and Senior VP, Marketing and Strategy for Developing Markets.

Abrams-Rivera began his career at Kraft Foods and held numerous roles from 1998 to 2012, including Senior VP, Marketing and Strategy for Developing Markets; Vice President, Nabisco Savory Snacks; and Vice President, Global Biscuits Brands.

He also led the development of iconic brands in Cheese, Enhancers, Frozen Pizza, and Oscar Mayer businesses.

Kraft Heinz said that the appointment will further build the company’s business momentum with a focus on driving business growth through consumer-first marketing, innovation and people development.

Miguel Patricio, CEO at Kraft Heinz said: The U.S. represents the majority of our company’s overall business, so this is an enormously important role.

“I have every confidence that Carlos is the visionary leader we need to drive the U.S. business forward at this moment of transformation.

“Carlos has successfully implemented a strategic approach to reinvigorating brands and has a strong track record of growing businesses with a consumer-first focus to consistently drive strong business results.”

Commenting his appointment, Abrams-Rivera said; “I am honored to step into the role of U.S. Zone President and look forward to working closely with Miguel and the strong, capable senior leaders he’s assembled at Kraft Heinz.

“I’m also very excited to bring my consumer insights passion to drive growth for so many world-class brands, many of which are already very familiar to me.”