Conagra Brands has appointed John Brase as president and chief executive officer, effective 1 June, as the company prepares for a planned leadership transition.

Brase will also join the company’s board of directors, succeeding Sean Connolly, who will step down from his roles and the board on 31 May after more than a decade as CEO.

Brase brings over 35 years of experience in the consumer goods sector. He most recently served as president and chief operating officer at JM Smucker, where he led the company’s US retail, international and away-from-home businesses, alongside its sales, operations and supply chain functions. His tenure included a focus on strengthening execution, driving growth across key brands and improving productivity.

Prior to Smucker, Brase spent around 30 years at Procter & Gamble, where he rose to senior vice president and general manager of its North America Family Care business, overseeing a portfolio valued at approximately $6 billion.

Richard H Lenny, independent chair of Conagra’s board, said: "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 thrive under his leadership."

"The decision to appoint John as Conagra's next leader follows our thoughtful approach to succession planning, including discussions with Sean, and our determination that now is the right time for this leadership transition."

Lenny also credited Connolly with reshaping Conagra into a focused branded food business during his tenure, including navigating challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic, inflationary pressures and supply chain disruption.

Commenting on his appointment, Brase said he aims to build on the company’s existing momentum, with a focus on revenue growth, margin expansion and cash flow generation.

Connolly added that Conagra has established a strong foundation through investment in brand building and innovation, as well as portfolio reshaping, and said he would support a smooth leadership transition in the coming weeks.