Conagra Brands has named seasoned consumer goods executive John Brase as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, marking a leadership transition at a time of shifting consumer demand and industry-wide pressures.
Brase will succeed Sean Connolly, who has led the company since 2015. The decision follows board-level discussions, with Chairman Richard H. Lenny stating that the transition comes at an appropriate time for the company’s next phase of growth.
Bringing over 35 years of experience in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector, Brase most recently served as President and Chief Operating Officer at The J.M. Smucker Company. Prior to that, he spent nearly three decades at Procter & Gamble, building deep expertise in brand management, portfolio strategy, and operational execution.
At Smucker, Brase oversaw U.S. retail, international, and foodservice businesses, along with core functions such as sales, supply chain, and operations. Conagra said his leadership helped drive growth across key brands while improving productivity and execution.
The leadership change comes as food companies, including PepsiCo and General Mills, navigate slowing sales growth amid cautious consumer spending, rising health consciousness, and evolving dietary preferences influenced by initiatives such as the “Make America Healthy Again” movement.
During Connolly’s tenure, Conagra transformed into a major force in frozen foods and snacks. The company expanded its portfolio through acquisitions such as Angie’s Boomchickapop and Sandwich Bros., and notably completed the $10.9 billion acquisition of Pinnacle Foods in 2018, adding brands like Birds Eye, Duncan Hines, and Vlasic.
In recent years, however, the company has shifted focus toward debt reduction and portfolio optimization, including the divestment of non-core assets such as Chef Boyardee. Despite these efforts, Conagra’s stock has declined significantly over the past decade.
Brase takes charge at a critical juncture, with Conagra recently cutting prices across select snacks and frozen meals to revive volumes and attract value-conscious consumers. The company reported modest organic sales growth in its grocery, snacks, and refrigerated and frozen segments in its latest quarterly update.
His appointment signals a renewed push toward operational discipline and brand-led growth as Conagra adapts to a rapidly evolving food industry landscape.