The Coca-Cola Co. announced Wednesday that executive vice president and COO Henrique Braun will become CEO effective March 31. He succeeds James Quincey, who will become executive chairman, after nine years as CEO, the Atlanta-based beverage company said.
Braun, 57, has been with Coca-Cola since 1996, serving in leadership roles in North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. He became COO on Jan. 1, 2025, and oversees all operating units worldwide.
“I’m honored to take on this new role and have tremendous appreciation for everything James has done to lead the company,” Braun (pictured above) said. “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.”
Quincey, 60, joined Coca-Cola in 1996 and became CEO in 2017 and chairman of the board in 2019. He has led the company through major growth, including the addition of more than 10 billion-dollar brands and a focus on digital transformation, the company said in a statement.
“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. James will continue to be very active in the business through his role as executive chairman.”
Braun, born in California and raised in Brazil, holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering from the University Federal of Rio de Janeiro, a master’s degree from Michigan State University and an MBA from Georgia State University.
Quincey, a native of Britain, holds a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering from the University of Liverpool.
“I’m stepping down as CEO after a 30-year career with the company,” he said. “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.”
The Coca-Cola Co. sells beverages in more than 200 countries and territories under brands like Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Topo Chico, BodyArmor, Powerade, Costa and more.
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