Coca-Cola announced on Wednesday that its current Chief Operating Officer is set to step into the CEO role in early 2026.
The globally recognized beverage company, headquartered in Atlanta, revealed that Henrique Braun has been appointed by the board as the CEO, effective March 31. Meanwhile, James Quincey, who presently serves as both chairman and CEO, will shift to the position of executive chairman.
At the age of 57, Braun boasts a 30-year career with Coca-Cola. Before taking on the COO responsibilities earlier this year, he spearheaded operations across Brazil, Latin America, Greater China, and South Korea. His extensive experience includes roles in supply chain management, new business ventures, marketing, innovation, general management, and overseeing bottling operations.
Born in California and raised in Brazil, Braun possesses a diverse educational background. He earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, a master’s degree from Michigan State University, and an MBA from Georgia State University.
David Weinberg, Coca-Cola’s lead independent director, praised Quincey, who is 60, as a “transformative leader,” emphasizing his ongoing involvement with the company.
Throughout Quincey’s nine-year tenure as CEO, Coca-Cola has introduced over ten new billion-dollar brands, including BodyArmor and Fairlife. Additionally, he led the company into the alcoholic beverage sector, launching Topo Chico Hard Seltzer in 2021.
In 2020, Quincey led a restructuring that reduced Coke’s brands by half and laid off thousands of employees. Quincey said Coke wanted to streamline its structure and focus its investments on fast-growing products like its Simply and Minute Maid juices.
But as Quincey steps down as CEO, Coke is facing numerous challenges, including tepid demand for its products in the U.S. and Europe and increasing customer scrutiny of its ingredients. This summer, after a nudge from President Donald Trump, Coke said it would release a version of its trademark Cola with cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup.
Weinberg said the board is confident that Braun will build on the company’s strengths and seek out growth opportunities globally.
Coke shares were flat in after-market trading.
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