JBS N.V. (NYSE: JBS; B3: JBSS32) has named Wesley Batista Filho as its next Global CEO, effective January 2027, as the food giant prepares for a planned leadership transition.
Batista Filho will succeed Gilberto Tomazoni, who will step down after 14 years with JBS, including eight years as Global CEO. Tomazoni will oversee the transition over the next five months before becoming Vice Chairman of the Board and Senior Advisor.
The company said the appointment reflects its long-term succession planning and comes as JBS enters a new phase following years of expansion, diversification and international growth.
Wesley Batista Filho to Lead JBS From January 2027
Batista Filho began his career at JBS 15 years ago and has held several senior roles across the company’s global operations.
He previously served as CEO of JBS Brazil and President of Seara before becoming CEO of JBS USA in 2023.
JBS said Batista Filho has developed deep operational experience across the business, including in the United States, which accounts for more than half of the company’s revenue.
Batista Filho said he intends to build on the progress achieved under Tomazoni while maintaining the company’s focus on employees, customers, producer partners, operational execution and long-term shareholder value.
“I’m honored to take on this responsibility and build on the extraordinary work accomplished by Tomazoni during his tenure as CEO,” Batista Filho said.
Tomazoni to Become Vice Chairman and Senior Advisor
Tomazoni will remain closely involved with JBS following the CEO transition.
In addition to becoming Vice Chairman of the Board and Senior Advisor, he will continue to serve as Chairman of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (NASDAQ: PPC). He will also become Chairman of the J&F Institute, which focuses on developing future business leaders.
Tomazoni said Batista Filho’s operational background and familiarity with JBS make him well positioned to lead the company through its next stage of growth.
“Wesley has a track record of success at JBS and knows our business deeply,” Tomazoni said, adding that Batista Filho has helped strengthen JBS operations in the U.S. while advancing key strategic priorities.
JBS Revenue Grew 73% During Tomazoni’s Tenure
JBS highlighted the scale of its transformation under Tomazoni’s leadership.
During his tenure, company revenue increased 73%, rising from $49.7 billion to $86.2 billion.
JBS also expanded into new protein categories, increased its exposure to branded and value-added products, invested in biotechnology and achieved investment-grade status.
The company also completed its listing on the New York Stock Exchange, a move it said helped position JBS for its next phase of growth.
Tomazoni said JBS is now more diversified, resilient and globally positioned than at any previous point in its history.
JBS Prepares for Its Next Growth Phase
The leadership transition comes as JBS looks to build on its expanded global footprint and increasingly diversified portfolio.
Batista Filho is expected to take over a company with major operations across meat processing, prepared foods and branded consumer products, supported by a significant presence in the U.S. and other international markets.
JBS said further details regarding the transition will be announced in due course.
