11 Leadership Moves That Shook Up the Summer
By Steve Holtz on Nov. 06, 2018Canned Soda
CHICAGO -- Coca-Cola Co., PepsiCo and Keurig Dr Pepper all named new leadership this year, and that's just the tip of the iceberg as smaller companies across the beverage spectrum welcomed executive changes.
Here's a look at some of the new faces leading the beverage industry ...
1. PepsiCo
As previously reported, longtime PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi stepped down from that position Oct. 3 after 24 years with the company, the last 12 as chief executive. She was succeeded by PepsiCo President Ramon Laguarta, whom Nooyi said “is exactly the right person to build on our success.” Laguarta—who has held a number of executive management roles in his 22 years at PepsiCo., including his most recent president role since September 2017—is the sixth CEO in the Purchase, N.Y.-based CPG giant’s 53-year history.
2. Coca-Cola Co.
Coca-Cola Co.'s board of directors on Oct. 18 elected Brian Smith to serve as president and COO effective Jan. 1, 2019. He will report to James Quincey, the company’s CEO. Smith is a 21-year Coca-Cola veteran who is currently president of the company’s Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) group.
The appointment of a president and COO will allow Quincey, who has been CEO since May 2017 and is a member of the board of directors, to focus on the overall long-term strategic direction and success of the company.
John Murphy, who is currently president of the company’s Asia Pacific group, will become senior vice president and deputy CFO on Jan. 1. He will be elevated to executive vice president and CFO on March 16, following the retirement of Kathy Waller, who is departing the company after 32 years.
The Atlanta-based company also announced that Nancy Quan has been elected senior vice president and appointed chief technical officer, effective Jan. 1, reporting to Quincey. She is currently vice president of the company and chief technical officer of Coca-Cola North America. Quan succeeds Ed Hays, who will retire from the company on March 31.
3. Keurig Dr Pepper
In June, newly formed company Keurig Dr Pepper, Burlington, Mass., announced its new leadership team. It includes:
- Bob Gamgort (pictured above), previously CEO of Keurig Green Mountain, as CEO of Keurig Dr Pepper.
- Rodger Collins as president of direct store delivery (DSD).
- Fernando Cortes as chief supply-chain officer.
- Ozan Dokmecioglu as chief financial officer.
- Lain Hancock as chief strategy and emerging brands officer.
- Derek Hopkins as chief commercial officer.
- Jim Trebilcock as chief franchise and international officer.
Also, Larry Young, CEO of Dr Pepper Snapple Group, retired from the company and joined the KDP board of directors.
4. Constellation Brands
Constellation Brands Inc., the importer of Corona and Modelo beers and other alcohol drinks, named a new CEO. Bill Newlands will assume the role of president and CEO on March 1, 2019, succeeding current CEO Rob Sands. Sands at that time will take the role of executive chair of the company. Newlands joined Constellation Brands, based in Victor, N.Y., in 2015 as executive vice president and chief growth officer. Most recently, he was the company’s chief operating officer and president.
5. Outlaw Energy
Jesus Delgado-Jenkins is now the CEO of Outlaw Energy. Delgado-Jenkins is the former executive vice president and chief merchandising officer of Irving, Texas-based 7-Eleven Inc. and former president of its 7-Ventures LLC investment arm. He announced his retirement from the retailer in June. Chicago-based Outlaw Energy is a brand that was created by beverage-industry veterans Doug Weekes and Lance Collins in 2016.
6. Talking Rain Beverage Co.
Preston, Wash.-based Talking Rain Beverage Co. announced several personnel moves in early September, including the naming of a new CEO. Chris Hall was named CEO after having served as the chief operating officer of the company, which produces Sparkling Ice waters. Through his decade-long tenure at Talking Rain, Hall has risen through the ranks by using his analytical skills, approachability, clear vision and passion for collaboration, the company said. Previously, Hall served as the vice president of sales for the Midwest and Northeast, where he helped achieve the company’s goal of 100% DSD coverage and distribution.
Other personnel moves at Talking Rain include:
- Sarah Gustat, former director of marketing, was appointed vice president of marketing.
- Ken Sylvia, former vice president of distribution, was promoted to vice president of sales.
7. Celsius
Celsius Holdings Inc., the Boca Raton, Fla.-based maker of Celsius energy drinks and powder sticks, hired Matt Kahn to serve as its new executive vice president of marketing. Kahn brings more than 20 years of marketing experience to Celsius, having served a majority of his career in the beverage industry for companies such as the Coca-Cola Co., Glaceau and Heineken USA.
8. Hank’s Gourmet Beverages
Hank’s Gourmet Beverages, a Philadelphia-based craft soft-drink company best known for Hank’s Gourmet Root Beer, has named Tom Ciannilli as director of sales support. The appointment marks Ciannilli's return to the company where he began his career. He returns to Hank’s from L&M Beverage Co., where he was vice president of sales and marketing for the company, a wholesaler for Yuengling Beer and many other craft and imported brands in the Philadelphia market.
9. Welch's
Juice maker Welch’s appointed Trevor Bynum as president and CEO. Bynum succeeds Brad Irwin who will retire after 10 years leading the organization. Bynum brings to Concord, Mass.-based Welch’s close to 20 years of CPG experience with many notable brands, as well as eight years of service in the U.S. Army, where he achieved the rank of captain.
10. Protein2o
Protein-enhanced bottled water company Protein2o, Chicago, tapped Brian Douglas to lead the finance function as Protein2o prepares for "rapid growth and expanding strategic relationships," the company said. As CFO, Douglas will work with the existing management team and the board of directors to plan the company’s near-term growth and longer-term aspirations. Included in his responsibilities will be a heavy focus on business analytics and optimization, as well as guiding ongoing discussions with investors and strategic partners.
11. Rosa Foods
Los Angeles-based Rosa Foods, the maker of meal-replacement brand Soylent, added three new executives to its team this summer. Demir Vangelov joined the company as chief financial officer. He most recently held a similar role at cold-brew maker Califia Farms. Benjamin Cariou joins Rosa Foods from Chef'd as vice president of digital acquisitions and e-commerce. And Andrew Thomas joins the company as vice president of brand marketing from PepsiCo, where he was director of marketing strategy and communications.