Lamb Weston Names New Executive Chair and Finance Chief

The french-fry maker continues efforts to accelerate growth and increase shareholder value.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 9:23am

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Lamb Weston Holdings announced a management realignment, including the hiring of veteran Anheuser-Busch InBev executive Jan Craps as the new executive chair and James Gray, who is leaving his role as CFO of Ingredion, as the new finance chief. The company also said Bernadette Madarieta will remain as CFO until Gray joins in April, and that Bradley Alford, who joined the board last year, will now serve as lead independent director.

Why it matters

The changes at the top signal Lamb Weston's focus on driving growth and shareholder value as it navigates industry challenges. The new leadership brings extensive experience that could help the company capitalize on opportunities in the french fry and potato products market.

The details

Craps, 48, previously served as CEO of Budweiser Brewing APAC and CEO APAC for Anheuser-Busch InBev. Gray, 59, is leaving his role as CFO of ingredients maker Ingredion to join Lamb Weston as finance chief on April 2. Bernadette Madarieta, who has been Lamb Weston's CFO since August 2021, will remain in that position until Gray starts. Bradley Alford, who joined Lamb Weston's board last year, will now serve as lead independent director.

  • Lamb Weston announced the management changes on February 4, 2026.
  • Jan Craps will join the company in the newly created role of executive chair.
  • James Gray will start as Lamb Weston's new CFO on April 2, 2026.
  • Bernadette Madarieta will remain as CFO until Gray joins on April 1, 2026.
  • Bradley Alford will now serve as lead independent director.

The players

Jan Craps

A 48-year-old veteran Anheuser-Busch InBev executive who has joined Lamb Weston as the new executive chair.

James Gray

A 59-year-old executive who is leaving his role as CFO of Ingredion to join Lamb Weston as the new finance chief.

Bernadette Madarieta

Lamb Weston's CFO since August 2021 who will remain in that position until Gray joins the company.

Bradley Alford

A new independent director who joined Lamb Weston's board last year and will now serve as lead independent director.

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What’s next

Gray will officially start as Lamb Weston's new CFO on April 2, 2026, taking over for Madarieta.

The takeaway

Lamb Weston's new leadership team, with the addition of experienced executives like Craps and Gray, is positioned to help the company capitalize on opportunities in the french fry and potato products market and drive long-term growth and shareholder value.