Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc. appointed Amit Banati as Chief Executive Officer, effective May 13, 2026. He will succeed Nicholas Fink, who will step down on April 1, 2026. Fink will leave to pursue a professional opportunity outside the Company. Susan Kilsby will serve as Executive Chair beginning February 12, 2026. She will manage CEO duties during the short transition period. Afterward, she will return as Non-executive Chair of the Board.
Fink Reflects on Leadership Journey
“It has been my enormous privilege to serve as CEO of Fortune Brands for the last six years. I’ve been offered a new and unique professional opportunity that comes at a natural turning point for both me and Fortune Brands,” said Fink.
“I am deeply grateful to all our associates and proud of what we’ve accomplished – transforming our Company to leverage our unique strengths in branding, innovation, and complex channels, while making important structural changes to support future growth. Now that the foundations of this transformation are in place, Fortune Brands is moving into a new chapter centered on disciplined execution, further optimization, and capitalizing on the substantial upside ahead. I am confident that Amit is the right person to lead Fortune Brands forward,” continued Fink.
Banati’s Experience and Vision
Banati brings extensive experience across leading global consumer products companies. He currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of Kenvue. Previously, he held senior roles at Kellanova and Kellogg Company. He also worked with Mondelez, Cadbury Schweppes, and Procter & Gamble. Banati has served on the Fortune Brands Board for nearly six years. He chairs the Audit Committee and will remain on the Board.
“Amit has a proven ability to drive results and bring strategic clarity, operational rigor, and a brand- and customer-first mindset,” said Kilsby. “Amit’s appointment is the result of a comprehensive succession planning process conducted by the Board. His experience as a Board member and Audit Committee chair, combined with his expertise in managing renowned brands and guiding complex organizations with discipline and precision, makes him highly qualified to lead Fortune Brands. We are confident that Amit will advance the Company’s strategic priorities and leverage Fortune Brands Advantage Capabilities to create outstanding opportunities for all stakeholders.”
Banati commented, “I am truly excited to lead this exceptional Company at such a pivotal moment in its evolution. Fortune Brands has a powerful portfolio of brands, a strong foundation of innovation, and a talented team that is deeply committed to excellence. I look forward to working more closely with our associates, customers, partners, and shareholders to continue growing our brands, advancing our work in innovative, industry-leading products, and creating long term, sustainable shareholder value. With a clear strategy in place, my focus will be on disciplined execution and driving the next phase of performance and growth for the Company.”
Kilsby continued, “On behalf of the Board, I want to extend our deep gratitude to Nick for his exceptional leadership as CEO over the past six years – a period marked by significant external volatility. Through it all, he provided a visionary approach that transformed the business in meaningful and lasting ways. His commitment to leveraging the Company’s strengths, modernizing our capabilities, and positioning us for long-term growth has left a powerful and positive imprint on the organization. We are profoundly grateful for his dedication, passion, and unwavering belief in the potential of our people and our strategy.”
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Source: Businesswire
