Conagra Brands Inc. (NYSE: CAG) announced that John Brase will become president and chief executive officer effective June 1, 2026. Brase will also join the company's board of directors.

Brase succeeds Sean Connolly, who will step down from his leadership roles and board position on May 31, 2026, after more than a decade leading the Chicago-based food company.

The incoming CEO brings 35 years of consumer goods experience. He most recently served as president and chief operating officer of The J.M. Smucker Co., where he oversaw U.S. retail, international and away-from-home businesses, plus sales, operations and supply chain functions.

Prior to Smucker, Brase spent approximately 30 years at Procter & Gamble, ultimately becoming senior vice president and general manager of the company's $6 billion North America Family Care business. During his tenure there, he managed major brands including Charmin, Bounty, Puffs and Pampers.

"John's track record of driving top- and bottom-line performance, building brands across multiple consumer-packaged goods categories, leveraging advantaged business systems and leading inclusive, results-driven cultures is exceptional," said Richard H. Lenny, independent chair of Conagra's board of directors.

Conagra Brands operates a portfolio that includes Birds Eye, Duncan Hines, Healthy Choice, Marie Callender's, Reddi-wip, Slim Jim and Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP brands. The company generated fiscal 2025 net sales of nearly $12 billion.

The leadership transition follows what the company described as a thoughtful succession planning process. Information is based on a company press release.