JBS names Wesley Batista Filho global CEO as Gilberto Tomazoni steps down
Tomazoni will become vice chairman and senior adviser after eight years leading the company.
NETHERLANDS – JBS N.V. has named Wesley Batista Filho as its next global chief executive officer, with the leadership change set to take effect in January 2027 as part of a planned succession process.
Batista Filho, who has worked for JBS for 15 years, currently leads JBS USA and has previously held senior positions across the group’s operations in Brazil, Canada, Uruguay, Paraguay and other markets.
He became CEO of JBS USA in 2023, taking charge of the company’s largest business platform by revenue, which operates more than 60 production facilities across beef, pork, poultry and prepared foods in 31 US states.
Before moving to the US, Batista Filho served as CEO of JBS Brazil from 2017 and took responsibility for Seara in 2020, while also retaining his Brazil role, before becoming Global President of Operations in 2022.
Tomazoni to move into board role
Tomazoni will leave the global CEO position after 14 years with JBS, including eight years at the top, and will spend the next five months working with Batista Filho on the transition before becoming vice chairman of the board and senior adviser.
He will also remain chairman of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation and take over as chairman of the J&F Institute, which focuses on developing future business leaders.
During Tomazoni’s tenure, JBS reported a 73% increase in revenue from US$49.7 billion to US$86.2 billion, while expanding its activities across protein categories, branded foods and value-added products.
The company also invested in biotechnology, obtained investment-grade status and completed its listing on the New York Stock Exchange during his leadership.
Tomazoni joined JBS in 2013 after 27 years at Sadia and three years at Bunge Alimentos, initially taking charge of JBS’s global poultry operations before becoming president of Seara.
He later became Global President of Operations in 2015, Global Chief Operating Officer in 2017 and global CEO in December 2018, following his earlier career in the food industry.
JBS prepares for leadership change
Batista Filho said his incoming role would focus on maintaining the company’s existing strategy while working with employees, customers and producer partners across its international operations.
JBS employs more than 282,000 people and operates in more than 20 countries, producing and selling poultry, pork, beef, lamb, fish and plant-based proteins through brands including Friboi, Seara, Swift, Pilgrim’s Pride, Moy Park, Primo and Just Bare.
The company also operates businesses linked to leather, biodiesel, collagen, fertilisers, natural casings, waste management, recycling and transportation, with its products reaching consumers in 180 countries.
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