Conagra Brands Names John Brase CEO as Sean Connolly Exits After 11 Years

Event summary

  • John Brase appointed Conagra Brands CEO effective June 1, 2026, succeeding Sean Connolly after 11 years.
  • Brase brings 35 years of consumer goods experience, including roles at J.M. Smucker and Procter & Gamble.
  • Connolly led Conagra through pandemic, inflation, and supply chain disruptions, transforming it into a pure-play food company.
  • Conagra generated $12 billion in fiscal 2025 net sales.

The big picture

Conagra's leadership change comes at a time when the consumer-packaged goods sector faces evolving consumer preferences and supply chain challenges. Brase's appointment underscores the company's focus on driving profitable growth through strategic portfolio management and operational excellence. The transition also highlights the importance of governance shifts in maintaining long-term value creation for shareholders.

What we're watching

Strategic Execution
How Brase will accelerate Conagra's revenue growth and margin strengthening, given his background in operational excellence.
Brand Portfolio
Whether Brase can unlock the full potential of Conagra's iconic brands, leveraging his experience in brand building.
Leadership Transition
The pace at which Brase integrates his leadership style and strategic vision into Conagra's culture and operations.