The 10 Most Important Executive Moves This Week
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This week, Warren Buffett named his successor, Apple lured an ex-Google exec to lead AI research, and eBay found its first Chief Business & Strategy Officer.
This week, Warren Buffett named his successor, Apple lured an ex-Google exec to lead AI research, and eBay found its first Chief Business & Strategy Officer.
These are our top picks for the most important executive appointments and departures this week. For executive news updated daily, check out The Org's People on The Move.
1. Warren Buffett Name Drops A Successor
American billionaire Warren Buffett has said that Greg Abel would become CEO of Berkshire Hathaway if he were no longer in charge, the first time Buffet has ever publicly mentioned a successor. Abel has been vice-chairman of the multinational holding company since 2018 and currently oversees its non-insurance business.
2. AB InBev Names New CEO of The World’s Largest Brewer
Anheuser-Busch InBev’s Board of Directors has unanimously selected the brewing giant’s next CEO, Michel Doukeris, who will succeed Carlos Brito on July 1, 2021. Doukeris will have large shoes to fill as Brito had been with the company for 32 years, 15 of which were spent as the company’s CEO.
3. Former Google Executive Joins Apple as Head of New AI Research Unit
Samy Bengio will lead Apple’s new AI research unit. He will report to John Giannandrea, the senior VP of machine learning and AI strategy, according to Reuters.
4. President and Co-founder of Elon Musk’s Neuralink Steps Down
Max Hodak, Co-founder of Neuralink, tweeted that he has stepped down from his position as President of the company on Saturday. Neuralink has not named a successor.
5. eBay Finds its First Chief Business & Strategy Officer
eBay has appointed Stefanie (Stef) Jay as its Chief Business and Strategy Officer, a newly created role. Jay’s new job places her at the head of a new organization that combines Strategy, Business Operations, Analytics, and Communications.
6. The President of Entertainment for Disney’s TV Unit Departs
The Walt Disney Company and Craig Hunegs, the President of Entertainment for Walt Disney Television, have decided to part ways and the end of the month. Hunegs hasn’t revealed what his next move may be and Disney said it would name his replacement in the coming months.
7. PepsiCo Selects a New Global Head of Philanthropy
PepsiCo has picked C.D. Glin to serve as its new VP and Global Head of Philanthropy for The PepsiCo Foundation, effective May 17, 2021. He will report to the global beverage and food behemoth’s EVP of Global Communications and PepsiCo Foundation President, Jon Banner.
8. Coca-Cola Selects New Foundation President
The Coca-Cola Company has named Saadia Madsbjerg as its VP of Global Community Affairs and President of The Coca-Cola Foundation. She is expected to join the company June 1.
9. ESPN’s Kevin Merida to Lead as Top Editor at Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times has announced that Kevin Merida will be its next top editor after a five-month-long search. Merida succeeds Norman Pearlstine, who stepped down in December 2020.
10. Disney Will Have a New HR Chief This Summer
Paul Richardson has been named as The Walt Disney Company’s new Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, effective July 1. He will take the reins from Jayne Parker, who will leave Disney at the end of June after 33-years.
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