JBS Taps Family Heir as CEO

Wesley Batista Filho will become the global CEO of JBS in January, replacing Gilberto Tomazoni, who will step down as CEO and become vice chairman of the board and senior adviser. This transition marks the return of the Batista family to the top spot at JBS, nearly a decade after a corruption scandal led to the appointment of an outside CEO.

Wesley Batista Filho is the grandson of JBS founder Jose Batista Sobrinho and son of former top executive Wesley Batista. He has been leading JBS's US division for the past three years, during which time he has navigated market turmoil and a slow rebuild of the American cattle herd.

The transition was planned for years, according to Gilberto Tomazoni, who became JBS's first CEO from outside the Batista family in 2018. Tomazoni will stay at the company as a vice chairman and senior adviser. The future of leadership at the US operation has not been announced.

JBS recently reported a second-quarter loss of $102m, despite sales rising 14% to $23.9bn. The company has also made deals to grow operations in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, expanding its global presence.

## Why it matters The return of the Batista family to the top spot at JBS marks a significant shift in the company's leadership. JBS is the world's largest meat supplier, and its leadership change will likely have implications for the global food industry. The company's expansion into new markets, including the Middle East and Southeast Asia, will be overseen by Wesley Batista Filho, who will need to navigate the challenges of leading a global food powerhouse.

## What happens next Wesley Batista Filho will take over as global CEO in January, and the company will likely announce details on the future of leadership at the US operation in the coming months. As JBS continues to expand globally, its new leadership will face challenges and opportunities in the rapidly changing food industry.