JBS announces Wesley Batista Filho as new Global CEO for 2027

JBS, the world’s largest protein processor, has announced a planned leadership transition. Wesley Batista Filho, currently the CEO of JBS USA, will become the company’s Global CEO effective January 2027.

Batista Filho, 34, is a member of the founding family and has held various leadership roles across the company’s global operations since joining as a trainee in 2011. His experience includes leading divisions in Brazil, Canada, Uruguay, and Paraguay.

He succeeds Gilberto Tomazoni, who has served as Global CEO since 2018. During Tomazoni’s eight-year tenure, JBS revenue grew from approximately US$ 49.7 billion to US$ 86.2 billion. Tomazoni will oversee a five-month transition period before moving into roles as Vice Chairman of the Board and Senior Advisor. He will also continue as Chairman of the board for Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation.

The transition is described by the company as a planned succession aimed at maintaining strategic continuity. Batista Filho has indicated that his priorities will include international expansion—specifically in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Oceania—as well as investing in high-value-added products such as eggs and fish.