Conagra Names John Brase CEO Effective June 1

Conagra Brands Inc., the Chicago-based packaged foods giant behind brands like Birds Eye and Healthy Choice, announced Monday that John Brase will become its president and chief executive officer effective June 1, succeeding Sean Connolly, who will step down from his roles and the board on May 31 after more than a decade at the helm.

Brase, who brings over 35 years of experience in the consumer goods industry, most recently served as president and chief operating officer at The J.M. Smucker Co. Before that, he spent nearly 30 years at Procter & Gamble, rising to senior vice president and general manager of its $6 billion North America Family Care division. He will join Conagra's board upon assuming the top role. The appointment follows a planned succession process, according to company officials.

Richard H. Lenny, independent chair of Conagra's board, praised Brase's qualifications in a statement to investors. "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, and we are confident Conagra will...