In a pivotal announcement made on April 13, 2026, Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG) declared the appointment of John Brase as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2026. Brase will also assume a position on the Board of Directors, succeeding Sean Connolly, who steps down after a decade of leadership on May 31, 2026. This transition marks a significant moment for Conagra, a company renowned for its strong portfolio of branded food products.

2. John Brase: A Veteran in Consumer Goods

John Brase brings over 35 years of experience in the consumer goods sector, making him a seasoned choice for this critical role. His most recent position was as President and Chief Operating Officer of The J.M. Smucker Co., where he managed U.S. retail, international operations, and the Away from Home segment. Brase's leadership at Smucker was characterized by enhanced strategic execution, brand growth, and substantial productivity improvements.

His career also includes nearly 30 years at Procter & Gamble (P&G), culminating as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the $6 billion North America Family Care business. Brase's track record includes driving growth for iconic brands such as Charmin, Bounty, Puffs, and Pampers, consistently achieving market share leadership and margin expansion.

3. A Thoughtful Succession Plan

Richard H. Lenny, Independent Chair of Conagra's Board, expressed confidence in Brase's ability to lead the company into its next chapter. "John's track record of driving top- and bottom-line performance, building brands across multiple consumer-packaged goods categories, and leading inclusive, results-driven cultures is exceptional," he stated. Lenny emphasized that the decision to appoint Brase was part of a careful succession planning process in collaboration with Connolly, highlighting that now is the right time for this leadership transition.

4. Acknowledging Sean Connolly's Contributions

Sean Connolly's tenure at Conagra has been marked by remarkable achievements in transforming the company into a pure-play food entity. Lenny commended Connolly for unlocking value in the company's brands, streamlining its structure, and fostering a resilient corporate culture amid unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and significant inflationary pressures. Connolly expressed pride in the accomplishments during his leadership, particularly in investing in brand building, innovation, and divesting non-core assets.

5. Looking Ahead: A Vision for Growth

In his statement, Brase expressed enthusiasm about leading Conagra's portfolio of iconic brands and building on the foundations laid by Connolly. He aims to drive revenue growth, strengthen margins, and enhance cash flow to unlock the full potential of Conagra's brands while delivering value for consumers and shareholders alike.

Brase's commitment to collaboration with Lenny, the Board, and the entire Conagra team signals a proactive approach to ensuring a smooth transition and sustaining momentum in the company's growth trajectory.

6. Conagra Brands: A Legacy of Quality and Innovation

Founded over a century ago, Conagra Brands is one of North America's leading branded food companies, with a diverse portfolio that includes well-known brands like Birds Eye®, Duncan Hines®, Healthy Choice®, and Marie Callender's®. The company recorded nearly $12 billion in net sales for the fiscal year 2025, demonstrating its strong market presence and commitment to meeting evolving consumer preferences.

As Conagra embarks on this new chapter under John Brase's leadership, stakeholders will be keenly watching how the company navigates the ever-changing food landscape while continuing its legacy of quality and innovation.

Original press release