December is wrapping up, and with it comes a fresh wave of leadership moves shaping industries for the year ahead. The latest CEO changes signal new directions, priorities, and opportunities across the business landscape. Today, Chief Executives Council will focus on 11 CEOs that accepted new roles in December 2025.
Coca-Cola Promotes Henrique Braun as New CEO
Coca-Cola has named COO, Henrique Braun, as its next CEO. Braun has held a series of leadership roles since joining Coca-Cola in 1996, many of them focused on overseas operations. As CEO, Braun will seek growth opportunities worldwide and use technology to support business performance
BP Appoints Meg O’Neill as New CEO
BP’s board has appointed Meg O’Neill, its first female chief executive in a move to revive the oil company’s fortunes. She is a former ExxonMobil executive and the head of the Australian oil company Woodside Energy.
Office Depot and OfficeMax Names Craig Gunckel as New CEO
Craig Gunckel has been appointed chief executive officer of The ODP Corporation, which runs retailers Office Depot and OfficeMax. Gunckel may be new to ODP, but he is an Atlas veteran. Most recently he was CEO of label and receipt solutions company Iconex, which was previously owned by Atlas. In all, he has almost 30 years of leadership experience in the paper and packaging industries.
Kraft Heins Announces Steve Cahillan as New CEO
The Kraft Heinz Co. announced that Steve Cahillane, will take over next year before the food giant splits into two separate publicly traded companies. Cahillane brings a wealth of industry experience to Kraft Heinz, having most recently served as Chairman, President and CEO of Kellanova until its recent acquisition by Mars, Incorporated.
Freddie Mac Names Kenny Smith as New CEO
Federal Home Loan Mortgage, also known as Freddie Mac, named Kenny M. Smith as its next chief executive. Smith spent 27 years at Deloitte Consulting in numerous positions, including as vice chair, U.S. financial services industry leader. During his time at Deloitte, he managed advising for Wells Fargo.
Fastenal Names Jeffery Watts as New CEO
Fastenal’s longtime CEO Daniel Florness will step aside next summer, handing leadership of the industrial distributor to Jeffery Watts. The planned succession underscores continuity in Fastenal’s technology-enabled and ecommerce-supported operating strategy.
Coty Announces Markus Strobel as New CEO
Coty Inc. announced that Markus Strobel will become CEO. Strobel joins Coty after a distinguished 33-year career at Procter & Gamble, where he most recently served as President of P&G’s Global Skin & Personal Care business that included a multi-billion-dollar portfolio of more than 12 global brands.
Omer Gajial is Named New CEO for GoTo Foods
GoTo Foods, the US-based operator and franchisor of multi-channel foodservice brands, has hired Omer Gajial as its new CEO. Gajial joins with more than 20 years’ experience in consumer and retail businesses, holding senior posts at several multinational companies.
Daniel Pickett is Announced as New CEO for Albany Medical Center
Albany Medical Center’s board of directors has officially announced that Daniel Pickett will replace Dennis McKenna as president and CEO of the hospital. Mr. Pickett has served as Chair of the Albany Med Health System Board since July 2025 and a member of the Board since 2012. He will continue working with the existing leadership team to advance the System’s long-term strategy, growth trajectory, excellence, and commitment to patient care.
Focus Financial Names Adam Birenbaum as New CEO
Focus Financial Partners said that President Adam Birenbaum will become CEO of the firm. Mr. Birenbaum currently serves as President, a role he assumed in April 2025, and concurrently holds the position of CEO of Focus Partners Wealth. As Focus’s CEO, he will lead the execution of the firm’s ongoing strategic priorities, including fostering continued collaboration and consolidation across the Focus partnership to drive best-in-class capabilities and services.
GEICO Promotes Nancy Pierce as New CEO
Berkshire Hathaway announced that Nancy Pierce has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of GEICO, effective immediately. Pierce currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of GEICO and, since joining the company in 1986, has held leadership roles across claims, underwriting, product management and regional operations.
Additional CEO’s on the Move
CEO’s on the Move: November 2025
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