Conagra Taps John Brase as New President and CEO,... | Cayman Journal

Chicago, IL – A significant leadership transition is underway at Conagra Brands, one of North America's largest packaged food companies. The company announced today that it has appointed veteran consumer-products executive John Brase as its new president and chief executive officer, effective June 1. Brase will step into the shoes of Sean Connolly, who has led the food maker through a pivotal era of transformation.

The move marks a strategic pivot for Conagra, bringing in an outsider with a deep resume in brand revitalization and market expansion within the competitive CPG landscape. Brase, 52, most recently served as President of Global Brands at Horizon Foods Group, where he was credited with spearheading a significant digital integration strategy and revitalizing several stagnant product lines. Prior to that, he held senior leadership roles at Mondelez International and General Mills, focusing on innovation and supply chain optimization across diverse food portfolios.

"John's extensive experience in driving growth, fostering innovation, and navigating complex global markets makes him the ideal leader to guide Conagra into its next chapter," said Richard T. Clark, Chairman of the Conagra Brands Board of Directors, in a statement. "His proven track record of connecting with consumers and building strong, resilient supply chains aligns perfectly with our strategic priorities."

Sean Connolly, 60, will be stepping down after a distinguished tenure that began in 2015. Under his leadership, Conagra underwent a substantial portfolio reshaping, shedding non-core assets and acquiring key brands like Pinnacle Foods in 2018, which brought iconic names such as Duncan Hines and Birds Eye into the fold. He also championed a focus on premiumization and frozen foods, successfully navigating the company through evolving consumer tastes and significant inflationary pressures.

"It has been an incredible privilege to lead Conagra Brands for the past nine years," Connolly remarked. "I am immensely proud of what our team has accomplished in transforming our portfolio, strengthening our brands, and delivering consistent value to our shareholders. I have full confidence that John will build on this foundation and lead Conagra to even greater success."

Brase's immediate priorities will likely include accelerating Conagra's innovation pipeline, particularly in rapidly growing segments like plant-based foods and convenient meal solutions. Analysts expect he'll also focus on refining the company's supply chain to enhance efficiency and mitigate ongoing inflationary risks that continue to challenge the food industry.

The appointment comes at a crucial time for Conagra, as it continues to manage shifting consumer behaviors and intense competition from private labels and emerging direct-to-consumer brands. The company's diverse portfolio, which includes household names like Slim Jim, Healthy Choice, and Orville Redenbacher's, provides a strong base, but sustained growth demands constant adaptation.

"I am incredibly excited to join Conagra Brands and lead such a talented team," Brase commented. "This company has an impressive array of beloved brands and a strong heritage of innovation. I look forward to working closely with the board and the entire organization to unlock new avenues of growth, strengthen our market position, and continue delivering exceptional value to our consumers and shareholders."

Investors will be watching closely to see how Brase's fresh perspective and operational expertise will translate into tangible results for the $30 billion market cap company. The effective date of June 1 provides a short runway for the new CEO to immerse himself before the company's next fiscal year begins in earnest.