By Michael Dabaie

Kraft Heinz Co. said it named Dafne Hefner to the newly created role of chief strategy and transformation officer for North America.

Ms. Hefner is being hired to help accelerate the strategic growth plan in the company's U.S. and Canada businesses, the company said.

Ms. Hefner joins Kraft Heinz from Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV, where she most recently was senior vice President of Strategy and insights.

In December, the company said it would create a North America zone by combining its U.S. and Canada businesses, a move aimed at advancing the food and beverage company's long-term, sustainable growth plans. The zone will begin structural transitions in early 2022, with full organizational and financial reporting changes expected to take effect at the start of the second fiscal quarter this year.

Write to Michael Dabaie at michael.dabaie@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

01-12-22 1037ET