General Mills has appointed its current Chief Operating Officer, Dana McNabb, as its next Chief Executive Officer, marking a leadership transition at the global food company from January 2027.
McNabb will succeed Jeff Harmening as CEO on January 1, 2027, while Harmening will move into the role of executive chair of the company’s board of directors.
The appointment places an experienced General Mills executive at the centre of the company’s next growth phase after nearly three decades with the business.
Brandspur Brand News reports that General Mills’ board unanimously elected McNabb following her extensive leadership experience across the company’s operations, strategy, marketing and international businesses.
McNabb became COO earlier in 2026, taking responsibility for the company’s four operating segments and major functions, including North America Retail, North America Pet, North America Foodservice, International, Sales, Supply Chain, and Innovation, Technology and Quality.
Before becoming COO, she served as group president of North America Retail and North America Pet. Her previous positions also included chief strategy and growth officer, group president of Europe and Australia, and president of the US cereal business.
McNabb said her immediate priority would be to return General Mills to growth, with a focus on strengthening demand generation through digital capabilities and modernising the company’s supply chain.
Her appointment follows Harmening’s tenure as CEO, during which the company said it generated more than $17 billion for shareholders through dividends and share repurchases while reshaping about a third of its portfolio for future growth.
The portfolio changes included expanding General Mills’ presence in the pet category, which the company identified as an area of growth.
General Mills’ independent lead director, Maria Henry, praised McNabb’s understanding of the company, its brands and consumers, describing her as a leader with a clear strategic vision.
Henry also credited Harmening with guiding the company through what she described as nearly a decade of extraordinary circumstances, while strengthening and modernising its operations.
Harmening, who will remain involved as executive chair, said he was confident McNabb had the vision and urgency required to lead General Mills into its next phase.
The leadership change will take effect as the company looks to build on its existing strategy while improving its operations, technology capabilities and supply chain.
