JBS Appoints Wesley Batista Filho as Global CEO from January 2027

Brazil headquartered food group and tannery owner JBS has appointed Wesley Batista Filho as its new global Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2027.

Batista Filho will succeed Gilberto Tomazoni, who will step down as global CEO after eight years in the role and 14 years with JBS. Tomazoni will support the leadership transition before becoming Vice Chairman of the Board and Senior Advisor. He will also continue as chairman of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation and take on the role of chairman of the J&F Institute.

Batista Filho joined JBS in 2011 and has held several senior positions across the company. His previous roles include CEO of JBS Brazil, CEO of Seara and CEO of JBS USA, a position he has held since 2023.

JBS said the leadership change is part of its long-term succession planning and is aimed at preparing the company for its next phase of growth.

During Tomazoni’s tenure as global CEO, JBS reported that its revenue increased by 73%, from US$49.7 billion to US$86.2 billion. The company also expanded into new protein categories, invested in biotechnology, achieved investment-grade status and completed its listing on the New York Stock Exchange.