General Mills has on Wednesday announced the appointment current chief operating officer Dana McNabb as its new chief executive officer, succeeding Jeff Harmening from January 1, 2027.
Harmening will become executive chair of the General Mills board when McNabb takes over as CEO. Both appointments are effective January 1.
McNabb has spent 27 years at General Mills and currently oversees all four of the company’s operating segments and key operating functions, including North America Retail, North America Pet, North America Foodservice, International, Sales, Supply Chain, and Innovation, Technology and Quality.
She became group president of North America Retail in 2024 and added responsibility for North America Pet in 2025. Previously, she served as chief strategy & growth officer, group president of the Europe & Australia segment, president of the US Cereal operating unit and vice president of Global Marketing for Cereal Partners Worldwide, General Mills’ joint venture with Nestlé.
McNabb joined General Mills in Canada in 1999. She holds a commerce degree from the University of Ottawa and an MBA from London Business School.
Her appointment comes as General Mills focuses on returning the business to profitable growth.
“Returning the company to profitable growth is the priority, and we know how we'll get there,” McNabb said. She identified digitally enabled demand generation and supply chain modernisation as key areas of focus, saying these would “fundamentally improve how we operate”.
General Mills board independent lead director Maria Henry said McNabb had been selected following a “robust, multi-year succession planning process”, adding that she had a strong track record and a deep understanding of the company’s consumers, brands and industry.
“Dana is an outstanding leader with a clear strategic vision that she will translate into tangible outcomes for our shareholders, employees and the communities we serve,” Henry said.
Dana McNabb and Jeff HarmeningPhoto: General Mills
Harmening has led General Mills for almost a decade. During his tenure, the company said it delivered more than $17 billion (£12.8bn) to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases and revamped around a third of its portfolio, including through the addition of the Pet category.
“The company has benefited from Jeff’s steadfast and calm leadership during nearly a decade of extraordinary and unprecedented circumstances. We are fortunate to have Jeff continue as Executive Chair of the board to help ensure a smooth transition,” Henry added.
McNabb credited Harmening with modernising General Mills and strengthening its digital and technology capabilities, as well as reshaping its portfolio for growth.
“He laid new groundwork for our digital and technology capabilities, revamped our portfolio for growth and challenged us to work and operate in ways that better match today’s world. We are a more resilient company today thanks to his leadership and foresight,” she said.
Harmening said McNabb had demonstrated an ability to drive transformation and build a high-performing culture, adding that he was confident she could lead the company through its next chapter.
“It’s been an incredible honour,” he said. “I sincerely thank the entire General Mills team for all they have done to advance our Accelerate strategy, often against the most trying of circumstances.
“Looking ahead, I am confident that Dana has the vision, urgency and intellect needed to advance our next chapter. I have had the opportunity to witness firsthand her ability to drive transformation and build a high-performing culture. She is the right leader for this time, one that will take our company to the next level.”