Mirror Review
April 14, 2026
On April 13, 2026, Conagra Brands announced John Brase as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2026. With this, he also joins the company’s Board of Directors.
In this article, Mirror Review explores his professional journey and what his leadership might mean for the future of the food industry giant.
Educational and Community Background
John Brase holds a BSBA in Marketing from the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1990. He later earned his MBA from St. Louis University in 1996.
Beyond the boardroom, John Brase is involved in community leadership. He has served as the Board President for “One City for Recovery,” an organization that fights opiate addiction, and is a member of the University of Missouri Marketing Advisory Board.
John Brase’s Professional Background and Expertise
Brase is a veteran in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector with more than 35 years of experience. His career is defined by a focus on brand building, operational excellence, and strategic portfolio management.
Most Recent Role: The J.M. Smucker Co.
Before accepting the role at Conagra, John Brase served as the President and Chief Operating Officer of The J.M. Smucker Co.. He was promoted to this position on April 30, 2025, after serving as COO since 2020.
At Smucker, his responsibilities were vast:
- Business Oversight: He managed U.S. retail, international, and Away from Home segments.
- Category Leadership: He oversaw major categories, including Coffee, Pet Food, Frozen Handhelds, and Sweet Baked Snacks.
- Operational Functions: He led sales, supply chain, and manufacturing operations.
- Efficiency Gains: He was instrumental in creating the “Transformation Office,” which delivered significant productivity improvements and cost savings.
Decades of Experience at Procter & Gamble
Prior to joining Smucker, John Brase spent nearly 30 years at Procter & Gamble (P&G). He eventually rose to the rank of Senior Vice President and General Manager of the North America Family Care business, a unit worth $6 billion.
During his P&G tenure, he managed iconic household brands such as:
- Charmin
- Bounty
- Puffs
- Pampers
Key Details and Career Milestones
John Brase’s career records include managing massive budgets and achieving market share growth.
| Total CPG Experience | Over 35 years |
| P&G Family Care Revenue | Managed $6 billion business unit |
| P&G Baby Care Sales | Oversaw annual sales of $2.3 billion |
| Market Leadership | Led P&G to take share leadership in Baby Care for the first time in 20+ years |
| Fiscal 2025 Net Sales | Conagra Brands generated nearly $12 billion |
A New Transition at Conagra Brands
The appointment of John Brase follows a long-term succession plan. He takes over for Sean Connolly, who led the company for over a decade and transformed it into a pure-play branded food platform. Connolly will officially step down from his leadership roles and the Board on May 31, 2026.
Richard H. Lenny, the Independent Chair of Conagra’s Board, stated, “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.” He further noted that the timing is right for this transition.
While Conagra Brands shares dipped 4% following the announcement, the board remains confident in Brase’s ability to drive top- and bottom-line performance.
Leadership Philosophy and Future Outlook
John Brase expressed his enthusiasm for joining Conagra and leading its portfolio of iconic brands like Birds Eye, Slim Jim, and Healthy Choice. He intends to focus on accelerating revenue growth, strengthening margins, and generating robust cash flow.
“I look forward to accelerating the Company’s track record of driving strong revenue growth, strengthening margins, and generating robust cash flow to unlock the full potential of its brands,” stated John Brase.
Outgoing CEO Sean Connolly also shared his confidence in the transition, stating that the company’s focus on frozen foods and snacks has created a strong platform for his successor to build upon.
End Note
As Conagra Brands appoints JM Smucker executive John Brase as CEO, it marks a new chapter for the company.
With his extensive history at P&G and his recent success at The J.M. Smucker Co., Brase brings the operational depth needed to navigate a complex global market.
While the transition will take place over the coming months, the industry will be watching closely to see how he leverages his expertise to drive the next phase of growth for Conagra’s iconic food portfolio.
Maria Isabel Rodrigues
