Bernardo Hees, who helped boost profit at Latin America's largest railroad and logistics company, will become Burger King's chief executive once 3G Capital Management completes its $3.3bn leveraged buyout of the fast-food chain later this year.

Hees, named Thursday to succeed Burger King chief executive John Chidsey, joined Brazil-based America Latina Logistica in 1998 as a logistics analyst and held numerous posts there, including chief financial officer and chief operating officer, before becoming chief executive in 2005. He steps down as chief executive of America Latina Logistica on Friday but will remain on its board.