Rafa Oliveira has served as Executive Vice President and President, International Markets for The Kraft Heinz Company since December 2021 and served as International Zone President from July 2019 to December 2021. In these roles, he is responsible for leading all business operations for the Company in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Asia Pacific, and Latin America. Headquartered at the company’s International headquarters in London (The Shard), Rafa leads 18,000 passionate employees, working across +75 offices and factories, and around 100 brands, including Heinz, Hemmer (Brazil), Master (China), HP (UK), Pudliszki (Poland) ABC (Indonesia) and Plasmon (Italy).

Rafa describes the company’s people as its ‘secret sauce’ with ownership and meritocracy among the key attributes that make up Kraft Heinz’ unique culture. Rafa also believes in taking ‘big bets’ on people and sees this belief reflected in the entire leadership team. When an employee is driven and ambitious, we give them the runway to grow through stretch opportunities and more responsibility. They have the space to make important decisions, and in turn, make a lasting impact on our company (and their careers). I truly think this adds to level of commitment and engagement a person has at our company.”

Rooted in the belief that Gen Z will be the ‘leaders of tomorrow’, Rafa is also involved in the company’s International Management and Manufacturing programme – a scheme that employees around 116 Trainees globally (76 Internationally) and allows curious young talent to travel to all areas of the organization, rotating between sales, marketing and operations. It gives trainees the opportunity to try out different functions, gain regular access to senior leadership and get a taste for various roles available to them.

Before joining the Company in 2014 as President of Kraft Heinz Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea, Rafa spent more than 15 years in the financial industry, including holding positions at Goldman Sachs in Emerging Markets from 2010 to 2014 and in Structured Products Sales from 2004 to 2010, and as an Equity Research Analyst at Banco BBA Creditanstalt from 1999 to 2002, and Banco Icatu from 1996 to 1999.

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