International meat producer JBS Global has announced that Wesley Batista Filho will become global CEO of the company, with Gilberto Tomazoni to step down after 14 years.
Batista Filho will become CEO effective January 2027. He began his career at JBS 15 years ago and has held leadership roles across the company’s global operations, including as CEO of JBS Brazil, president of Seara and, since 2023, CEO of JBS USA.
Gilberto Tomazoni will step down after 14 years with JBS Global, including eight years as CEO. Tomazoni will oversee the leadership transition over the next five months before assuming the role of vice chairman of the board and senior advisor.
He will also continue to serve as chairman of the board of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (PPC) and will become chairman of the J&F Institute.
JBS Global stated that during Tomazoni’s tenure, the company’s revenue grew 73%, from US$49.7 billion to US$86.2 billion, the company expanded into new protein categories. It was also said to have strengthened its portfolio of branded and value-added products, invested in biotechnology, achieved investment-grade status and completed its listing on the New York Stock Exchange.
Incoming JBS Global CEO Wesley Batista Filho commented: “I’m honoured to take on this responsibility and build on the extraordinary work accomplished by Tomazoni during his tenure as CEO. Having worked alongside him for more than a decade, Tomazoni and I have built a great working relationship and a shared vision – grounded in the company’s values.
“Our priorities remain clear: supporting our team members, serving our customers and producer partners, operating with excellence and creating long-term value for our shareholders. I look forward to working with our teams around the world as we continue building an even stronger JBS.”
Gilberto Tomazoni stated: “Wesley has a track record of success at JBS and knows our business deeply. He started at the ground level of operations, going on to lead JBS Brazil and Seara to excellent results. Over the past three years, he has led JBS in the United States, where we generate more than half of our revenue, building a stronger, more competitive business and delivering important strategic advances across our operations.
“I’m confident he is the right leader to guide JBS through its next chapter. He understands our business, our culture and our people, and I believe he will continue building on our strong foundation while leading the company to new opportunities for growth and value creation.
“It has been an honour to lead this great company over the past eight years. JBS is stronger, more diversified and better positioned for the future than at any point in its history. With a strong leadership team, a clear strategy and exceptional businesses around the world, I believe this is the right time for the company to begin its next chapter under Wesley’s leadership. I am deeply grateful to our team members, customers, producer partners and shareholders for their trust and support throughout this journey. I wish Wesley every success.”
