Kraft Heinz strengthens US board to guide global transformation

Pittsburgh and Chicago-based Kraft Heinz, a leading global consumer packaged goods company, has appointed L. Kevin Cox, Mary Lou Kelley, and Tony Palmer to its Board of Directors as it prepares to split into two independent companies. The additions bring decades of expertise across human resources, retail, e-commerce, and consumer goods, enhancing the company’s capacity for organisational transformation and global growth.

Kevin Cox, a veteran HR executive, has led large-scale change at GE, American Express, and Pepsi Bottling Group. His expertise spans executive leadership development, talent management, and cultural transformation, providing Kraft Heinz with critical insight into aligning workforce strategies with business objectives during a major corporate restructuring.

Mary Lou Kelley contributes extensive knowledge in retail, e-commerce, and digital strategy. Formerly President of E-Commerce at Best Buy and SVP at Chico’s FAS, she has guided companies through digital transformations and online growth strategies. Her experience will strengthen Kraft Heinz’s ability to optimise customer engagement and accelerate digital initiatives.

Tony Palmer brings broad consumer goods leadership with a proven record in product innovation, marketing, and international operations. His tenure at Kimberly-Clark, Kellogg Company, and Coca-Cola equips him to drive growth and operational efficiency while overseeing strategic initiatives in global markets.

The trio’s combined expertise complements the existing board’s capabilities, ensuring strategic oversight as Kraft Heinz balances ongoing business performance with its corporate separation. CEO Carlos Abrams-Rivera emphasised that their addition supports both operational excellence and long-term value creation for shareholders.

Explore how Kraft Heinz’s board appointments are shaping its US operations and global strategy in the full story.