Kathy Krenger to Join Kraft Heinz as Chief Communications Officer; Michael Mullen to Retire

Rhea-AI Summary

The Kraft Heinz Company (Nasdaq: KHC) announced the appointment of Kathy Krenger as Chief Communications Officer, effective July 21. Krenger, previously Senior VP at Hyatt Hotels, brings over 25 years of experience in corporate communications. She takes over from Michael Mullen, who will retire on Aug. 15 after 23 years with Kraft Heinz. CEO Miguel Patricio praised Krenger's strategic thinking and background in the food and beverage industry. Kraft Heinz aims to drive transformation and growth in its brands while remaining committed to sustainability.

Positive

• Kathy Krenger brings over 25 years of corporate communication experience.
• Krenger's prior role at Hyatt Hotels involved overseeing communications for over 1,000 hotels.
• CEO Miguel Patricio expresses confidence in Krenger's ability to enhance Kraft Heinz's strategic communication.

Negative

• Michael Mullen's retirement may create a gap in leadership experience during the transition.

The Kraft Heinz Company (Nasdaq: KHC) today announced that Kathy Krenger is joining the company as its new Chief Communications Officer. Currently Senior Vice President, Global Communications, for Hyatt Hotels Corporation, she will begin her new role on July 21, reporting directly to CEO Miguel Patricio. Michael Mullen, Head of Global Communications and Corporate Affairs at Kraft Heinz, has decided to retire after 23 distinguished years with the company, effective Aug. 15.

Kathy Krenger is joining Kraft Heinz as its new Chief Communications Officer. She will begin her new role on July 21, reporting directly to CEO Miguel Patricio. (Photo: Business Wire)

Krenger brings more than 25 years of corporate and agency experience as a Communications leader to her new role. At Hyatt, she led corporate, internal, brand and field communications for the company and more than 1,000 hotels worldwide. During her years at Edelman, she supported clients across travel and tourism, consumer packaged goods, and retail, with a concentration in food and beverage. While there, she created two crisis communications marketing agencies to provide global clients including Kellogg's, Nestlé, the Florida Department of Citrus, Campari America brands, Darden Restaurants, Jim Beam brands, and Unilever with deeper expertise in the unique food and beverage industry. At Burson-Marsteller, she led the global McDonald's Corp. account, including the brand’s Olympic sponsorship, as well as Kellogg's, Six Flags, and Ticketmaster.

“I am excited to welcome Kathy Krenger to the Kraft Heinz team,” said CEO Miguel Patricio. “She’s an award-winning communicator and storyteller who brings a wealth of experience to the Kraft Heinz table. Kathy is a strategic thinker who is joining us with decades of expertise across a wide range of industries – including the CPG, retail and food and beverage space. And I am thrilled to know that Kathy is personally passionate about food. We look forward to her helping us live and communicate our Purpose, Let’s Make Life Delicious.”

Mullen has had an accomplished and exciting career at Kraft Heinz, first joining H.J. Heinz Company in 1998. He has served as the Company’s primary media spokesperson for the past two decades and led both internal and external Global communications.

“I want to personally thank Michael for the many significant contributions he made to Kraft Heinz – both before and during my tenure as CEO,” said Patricio. “He has been an invaluable partner to me and the rest of my senior Leadership Team. Michael is a respected and tireless leader who always put the Company first. We wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement and much happiness as he steps into this next stage of his life.”

ABOUT THE KRAFT HEINZ COMPANY

We are driving transformation at The Kraft Heinz Company (Nasdaq: KHC), inspired by our Purpose, Let’s Make Life Delicious. Consumers are at the center of everything we do. With 2020 net sales of approximately $26 billion, we are committed to growing our iconic and emerging food and beverage brands on a global scale. We leverage our scale and agility to unleash the full power of Kraft Heinz across a portfolio of six consumer-driven product platforms. As global citizens, we’re dedicated to making a sustainable, ethical impact while helping feed the world in healthy, responsible ways. Learn more about our journey by visiting www.kraftheinzcompany.com or following us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210621005775/en/

FAQ

Who is the new Chief Communications Officer of Kraft Heinz?

Kathy Krenger is the new Chief Communications Officer at Kraft Heinz, starting July 21.

When is Kathy Krenger starting her role at Kraft Heinz?

Kathy Krenger will begin her role on July 21.

What position did Michael Mullen hold at Kraft Heinz before retiring?

Michael Mullen was the Head of Global Communications and Corporate Affairs.

How long did Michael Mullen serve at Kraft Heinz?

Michael Mullen served at Kraft Heinz for 23 years.

What experience does Kathy Krenger bring to Kraft Heinz?

Kathy Krenger brings over 25 years of corporate and agency experience in communications.