May 2025 marked a significant month of leadership transitions across various industries, with several high-profile CEO appointments signaling strategic shifts and new directions for their respective organizations. These leadership changes underscore a broader trend of organizations seeking dynamic and experienced leaders to navigate complex challenges and drive future growth. Today, Chief Executives Council will focus on 10 CEOs that accepted new roles this month.
Berkshire Hathaway Names Greg Abel as New CEO
Hours after Warren Buffett stunned the crowd at Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholder meeting by announcing that he’d step down at the end of the year, the company’s board unanimously voted for Greg Abel to replace him. Greg Abel will become the new CEO and president as of January 1, 2026.
McLaren names Nick Collins as New CEO
McLaren has a new CEO at the helm, with the British sports-car maker naming Nick Collins to the role. Collins joins McLaren from his position as CEO of the CYVN-controlled vehicle startup Forseven, which was merged with McLaren last month. Prior to his role at Foreseven, Collins spent nine years with JLR, three of which were spent as the head of vehicle programs. Prior to that, Collins spent more than 20 years working in various roles for Ford’s European arm.
United Healthcare Names Stephen Hemsley as New CEO
UnitedHealth Group has appointed Stephen J. Hemsley as its CEO with immediate effect, succeeding Andrew Witty. Hemsley, the company’s former CEO, will retain his position as chairman of the Board of Directors. Hemsley joined as chief operating officer in 1997 before becoming president in 1999. He was the CEO from 2006 to 2017 and took on the responsibility of board chair in 2017.
Stellantis Names Antonio Filosa as New CEO
Stellantis named Antonio Filosa as its new CEO. The pick ends a six-month search for a new CEO after Carlos Tavares resigned from the position in December. Filosa currently works as Stellantis’s COO for the Americas and as the brand’s global chief quality officer. He was chosen internally for the position due to his proven track record of success throughout his 25 years in the industry.
Bath & Body Works Names Daniel Heaf as New CEO
Bath & Body Works has a new chief executive officer, its second in less than three years. The personal care, home and beauty retailer has named Daniel Heaf as its new CEO. Heaf was most recently Nike’s chief strategy and transformation officer until his role was eliminated by the sneaker giant’s new CEO, Elliott Hill.
Family Dollar Names Duncan MacNaughton as New CEO
As Family Dollar prepares to become a standalone company, its future leadership team is taking shape. Dollar Tree Inc. announced that Duncan MacNaughton will serve as chairman and CEO of Family Dollar following the close of the previously announced divestiture. MacNaughton is a seasoned retail executive with more than 30 years of experience leading large-scale businesses through growth and transformation.
1-800-Flowers Names Adolfo Villagomez as New CEO
1-800-Flowers.com Founder Jim McCann is stepping down and The Home Depot veteran Adolfo Villagomez has been appointed as the company’s new CEO. The leadership shift was announced as 1-800-Flowers reported a dramatic sales decline in fiscal Q3 (ended March 30, 2025), with revenue decreasing 12.6% from the prior year period to $331.5 million as consumer demand slackened.
AMA Names John Whyte, MD, MPG as New CEO
The American Medical Association Board of Trustees has chosen John Whyte, MD, MPH, a nationally renowned public health advocate, physician executive, corporate strategist and communication expert, as its next executive vice president and CEO. Dr. Whyte ushers in a new era of leadership for the 178-year-old institution amid strong membership growth and a renewed focus on solving challenges that affect physicians and patients.
Avianca Cargo Names Diogo Elias as New CEO
Diogo Elias assumed the role of CEO of Avianca Cargo. Elias had served as Senior Vice President of Avianca Cargo since 2023. In his new role, Elias will lead the company’s growth strategy, focusing on strengthening and innovating its operation, while continuing to work towards maintaining the value proposition that has helped the company become one of the leading air cargo providers in the region.
BEL USA Names Diego Abril as New CEO
BEL USA, the parent company of Counselor Top 40 distributor DiscountMugs.com and Counselor Best Place To Work BEL Promo, has named Diego Abril chief executive officer. Abril has more than 20 years of experience in financial and operational leadership across global consulting firms and private equity-backed businesses.
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