Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA — October 2026: General Mills has appointed Dana McNabb as its next Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Jeff Harmening. The company’s board of directors unanimously elected McNabb, who currently serves as Chief Operating Officer. Both leadership changes will take effect on January 1, 2027, when Harmening will become Executive Chair of the General Mills Board of Directors.
McNabb brings 27 years of experience at General Mills, having held leadership positions spanning general management, enterprise strategy, marketing, and international operations. In her current role as Chief Operating Officer, she oversees the company’s four operating segments and several critical enterprise functions, including North America Retail, North America Pet, North America Foodservice, International, Sales, Supply Chain, and Innovation, Technology and Quality.
Extensive Leadership Experience at General Mills
McNabb’s appointment represents the culmination of a long leadership journey within General Mills. She became Group President of North America Retail in 2024 and expanded her responsibilities to include North America Pet in 2025.
Before becoming Chief Operating Officer, McNabb served as Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, where she was responsible for shaping the company’s strategic and growth agenda.
Her previous leadership positions also include Group President, Europe & Australia; President of the U.S. Cereal operating unit; and Vice President of Global Marketing for Cereal Partners Worldwide, the General Mills joint venture with Nestlé headquartered in Switzerland.
McNabb began her General Mills career in Canada in 1999, establishing a long-term career with the company that has taken her through commercial, strategic, international, and operational leadership roles.
Focus on Profitable Growth and Transformation
As CEO, McNabb is expected to focus on returning General Mills to profitable growth while continuing to modernize the company’s operating model.
In discussing her priorities, McNabb highlighted the importance of digitally enabled demand generation and supply-chain modernization. Her approach is centered on strengthening how the company operates while leveraging its portfolio of established consumer brands and its global workforce.
Her extensive experience across General Mills’ operating businesses gives her a broad understanding of the company’s brands, consumers, commercial operations, and organizational capabilities.
Board Endorses Leadership Transition
The leadership transition follows a multi-year succession planning process conducted by the General Mills board.
Maria Henry, Independent Lead Director of the General Mills Board, said the board had confidence in McNabb’s ability to lead the company through its next phase of growth and value creation. She highlighted McNabb’s contributions to the company’s executive leadership and her experience across its global operations.
Henry also recognized Harmening’s nearly decade-long leadership of General Mills, noting his role in strengthening the company’s portfolio, expanding its Pet category, and advancing its transformation and growth agenda.
Harmening will remain closely involved with the company as Executive Chair of the Board, supporting continuity during the transition.
Jeff Harmening’s Legacy
Harmening has led General Mills through a period marked by significant changes across the consumer goods industry and the broader global economy.
During his tenure, General Mills says it delivered more than $17 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases and revamped approximately one-third of its portfolio to support future growth, including the expansion of its Pet category.
Harmening also oversaw investments in digital and technology capabilities and initiatives designed to modernize the company’s portfolio and operating practices.
Reflecting on the transition, Harmening expressed confidence in McNabb’s ability to lead General Mills, citing her vision, urgency, strategic thinking, and ability to drive transformation and build a high-performing culture.
Education and Global Experience
McNabb holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of Ottawa and an MBA from London Business School.
Her career at General Mills has provided extensive exposure to international markets, consumer categories, brand development, strategy, and enterprise operations. This combination of experience positions her to lead the company as it focuses on profitable growth, operational modernization, and continued investment in its portfolio of consumer brands.
About General Mills
General Mills is a global food company behind a portfolio of widely recognized brands, including Cheerios, Nature Valley, Blue Buffalo, Häagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Totino’s, Annie’s, and Wanchai Ferry.
The company operates under its Accelerate strategy, which focuses on building brands, driving innovation, leveraging its scale, and creating positive impact. General Mills generated US$18 billion in fiscal 2026 net sales, while its share of non-consolidated joint venture net sales totaled approximately US$1 billion.
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