The Coca-Cola Company has appointed executive VP and COO Henrique Braun as its next CEO.
The transition takes effect on March 31. Braun will take over from James Quincey, who will transition to the role of executive chairman. The board also intends to nominate Braun for election as a director at next year’s annual shareholder meeting.
Quincey will step down after nine years as CEO. During his tenure, he led the company’s shift toward a total beverage strategy.
He reshaped its operating model and advanced its digital and marketing transformation, oversaw the addition of more than 10 billion-dollar brands and guided the company through the Covid-19 pandemic.
“James Quincey is a transformative leader,” said David Weinberg, Coca-Cola’s lead independent director. “James set and executed a strategy that has built Coca-Cola’s status as a global leader. He will continue to be very active in the business through his role as executive chairman.”
“I’m stepping down as CEO after a 30-year career with the company, and I have an appreciation of what a privilege it has been to serve this great and enduring business,” said Quincey.
“Henrique is a trusted and highly experienced business partner, and he’s the right leader to steer the company and the Coca-Cola system for future growth and success.”
As CEO, Braun will focus on global growth opportunities, strengthening consumer connections and leveraging technology to support business performance.
“I’m honored to take on this new role,” said Braun. “I will focus on continuing the momentum we’ve built with our system. We’ll work to unlock future growth in partnership with our bottlers.”
Weinberg said the company expects a seamless transition. “James has done what a strong CEO should do,” he said. “Henrique has shown that he is the right leader for the future of Coca-Cola.”
In other company news, Peter West will retire from Coca-Cola Europacific Partners in September 2025 after 55 years.
- Further reading: Coca-Cola closer to sale of Costa Coffee – reports.
