Lamb Weston Strengthens Leadership with New CFO and Executive Chair

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. has unveiled a significant leadership restructuring, appointing two senior executives to key roles designed to enhance the company’s financial and strategic direction. The moves underscore the organization’s commitment to strengthening its leadership bench while maintaining operational continuity.

James Gray Takes Over as Chief Financial Officer

The company has named James Gray as CFO, effective April 2, 2026. Gray brings extensive financial expertise from his 12-year tenure at Ingredion, a globally recognized ingredients solutions provider, where he served as executive vice president and chief financial officer. His career also includes a decade-long stint with PepsiCo in various finance leadership positions, complemented by early-stage consulting experience at Bain & Company. The incoming CFO will succeed Bernadette Madarieta, who will remain engaged in an interim advisory capacity to facilitate a seamless transition across all financial operations.

Jan Craps Moves Into Executive Chair Position

In tandem with the CFO appointment, Jan Craps has assumed the role of Executive Chair, a newly established position at the company, effective February 6, 2026. Craps brings robust international experience cultivated over more than two decades at Anheuser-Busch InBev, where he most recently served as CEO and Co-Chair of Budweiser Brewing Company APAC, as well as Regional CEO for Anheuser-Busch InBev across the Asia-Pacific region. His appointment adds significant corporate governance depth to Lamb Weston’s executive layer.

Structured Transition Ensures Continuity

The timing and structure of these senior appointments reflect deliberate planning to minimize disruption. Madarieta’s continued involvement during the transition period demonstrates Lamb Weston’s commitment to maintaining financial stability. Together, the new CFO and Executive Chair are positioned to guide the company through the next phase of strategic evolution, bringing complementary expertise from the food and beverage industry’s most prominent multinational organizations.