Archive · 11 Aug 2026
JBS Names Batista Family Scion Wesley Filho as CEO
There is a very big company called JBS that makes and sells meat all over the world.
It was started by a man named Jose Batista Sobrinho in Brazil.
His grandson, Wesley Batista Filho, is now going to be the company's new top boss.
Wesley led the company's United States business for the past three years.
Before him, a person from outside the family named Gilberto Tomazoni was in charge.
An outsider had to lead the company because two other family members got into serious trouble with the law.
Now the family is returning to the top job after about eight years.
Gilberto is not leaving; he will stay and help the new leader.
The company is getting bigger and wants to grow in places like the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
JBS also wants its customers in the United States to feel close to the company.
JBS NV, the world's largest meat supplier, named Wesley Batista Filho as its next global CEO, effective January.
Batista Filho, grandson of founder Jose Batista Sobrinho, has spent the past three years leading JBS's US division.
He will replace Gilberto Tomazoni, who in 2018 became JBS's first CEO from outside the Batista bloodline after a corruption scandal ensnared brothers Wesley and Joesley Batista.
Tomazoni said the transition was planned for years and will remain at JBS as vice chairman.
JBS is expanding globally with recent deals in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, while its US business remains a key focus after a recent US share listing.
- Who
- Wesley Batista Filho, grandson of JBS founder Jose Batista Sobrinho and son of former top executive Wesley Batista.
- What
- Batista Filho was named global CEO of JBS NV, replacing Gilberto Tomazoni and returning leadership to the Batista family after about eight years.
- When
- Announced in a Monday regulatory filing ahead of JBS's second-quarter earnings; the new role takes effect starting January.
- Where
- JBS, a Brazilian-founded global meat supplier increasingly focused on the US market.
- Why
- The move continues the family legacy and follows a succession plan that Tomazoni said was years in the making.
- Company
- JBS NV, world's largest meat supplier
- New CEO
- Wesley Batista Filho
- Effective Date
- January (transition starting)
- Outgoing CEO
- Gilberto Tomazoni
- Tomazoni's New Role
- Vice chairman
- Batista Filho's Previous Role
- Head of JBS's US division for three years
- Family Connection
- Grandson of founder Jose Batista Sobrinho
- Context
- First Batista family leader in about eight years; Tomazoni became first non-Batista CEO in 2018 after corruption scandal