MINNEAPOLIS — Dana McNabb will replace Jeffrey Harmening as chief executive officer of General Mills, Inc. on Jan. 1, 2027. Harmening will transition to executive chair of the company at that time.

McNabb currently is chief operating officer of the company, a role she assumed in May.

“Following a robust, multi-year succession planning process, the board is confident that Dana is the right executive to lead the company through its next chapter of growth and value creation,” said Maria Henry, the board’s independent lead director. “Dana has made significant contributions as a key member of the executive leadership of the company over the past few years, and across the business globally throughout her career.

“She has a strong track record of success, and a deep understanding of our consumers, our brands, our company and our industry,” she added. “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.”

McNabb has been with the company for 27 years. She was group president of North America Retail starting in 2024 and added North America Pet to her responsibilities in 2025. She previously held roles as chief strategy and growth officer; group president, Europe & Australia segment; president of the US cereal operating unit; and vice president of global marketing for Cereal Partners Worldwide, the company’s joint venture with Nestle. McNabb started her General Mills career in Canada in 1999. 

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.