Coca-Cola announced on Wednesday that its chief operating officer is slated to assume the role of chief executive officer in the initial quarter of 2026.
TL;DR
- Coca-Cola's COO, Henrique Braun, will become CEO in early 2026.
- James Quincey transitions to executive chairman after nine years as CEO.
- Braun has 30 years of experience at Coca-Cola in various leadership roles.
- Quincey led brand expansion and restructuring during his tenure as CEO.
The Atlanta-based drink corporation announced that its board appointed Henrique Braun as its chief executive officer starting March 31. James Quincey, Coca-Cola's present chairman and CEO, will move into the role of executive chairman for the firm.
Braun, aged 57, has been employed by Coca-Cola for thirty years. Before taking on the Chief Operating Officer position at the beginning of this year, he was in charge of operations across Brazil, Latin America, Greater China, and South Korea. He's previously held roles managing Coke's supply chain, new ventures, marketing efforts, innovation initiatives, general management, and bottling activities.
Braun, a native of California, spent his formative years in Brazil. He earned an undergraduate degree in agricultural engineering from The University Federal of Rio de Janeiro, followed by a master of science from Michigan State University, and concluded his academic pursuits with an MBA from Georgia State University.
Coca-Cola's chief independent director, David Weinberg, described Quincey, aged 60, as a “transformative leader” who will maintain his involvement in the company's operations.
During Quincey’s nine years as CEO, Coke added more than 10 additional billion-dollar brands, including BodyArmor and Fairlife. He also brought Coke into the alcoholic drink market with Topo Chico Hard Seltzer, which went on sale in 2021.
In 2020, Quincey led a restructuring a plan that cut Coke’s brands by fifty percent and resulted in the dismissal of numerous staff. Quincey stated that Coke aimed to simplify its organization and concentrate its funding on rapidly expanding items such as its Simply and Minute Maid beverages.
As Quincey departs from his CEO role, Coke is confronting a multitude of difficulties, such as tepid demand for its offerings in the U.S. And Europe, alongside heightened customer examination of its components. This past summer, prompted by President Donald Trump, Coke announced its intention to launch a variation of its iconic Cola with cane sugar in lieu of high-fructose corn syrup.
Weinberg stated the board feels assured that Braun will leverage the firm's advantages and pursue expansion prospects internationally.
Coke shares were flat in after-market trading.
