Grandson of JBS Founder to Lead Meat Giant’s Plant-Protein Foray

His grandfather started the company as a Brazilian butcher shop. His father helped turn it into the world’s biggest meatpacker. Now Wesley Batista Filho is taking over JBS SA’s push into plant-based protein and aquaculture.

The 30-year-old has just been tapped to head the high-growth half of the JBS empire, including the southern hemisphere meat business as well as the meatless operations.

It’s the latest step up the corporate ladder for the heir apparent, who, like his father, started out working in animal slaughter, learning every part of the carcass. More recently he oversaw the chicken and processed food unit ...