Coca-Cola Names Henrique Braun as CEO Effective March 2026
Key Points
- Henrique Braun, Coca-Cola's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will become CEO on March 31, 2026, succeeding James Quincey.
- James Quincey, who has led Coca-Cola for nine years, will transition to Executive Chairman after a 30-year career with the company.
- Braun has over 28 years of experience at Coca-Cola, with leadership roles across Latin America, Greater China, South Korea, and global operations.
- Braun’s priorities as CEO include pursuing global growth opportunities, enhancing consumer focus, and leveraging technology to drive performance.
Leadership Transition at Coca-Cola
The Coca-Cola Company announced a significant leadership change on December 10-11, 2025, confirming that Henrique Braun, currently Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective March 31, 2026. Braun will succeed James Quincey, who has served as CEO since 2017 and will transition to the role of Executive Chairman. Quincey’s tenure as CEO spanned nine years, during which he led transformative initiatives and expanded Coca-Cola’s brand portfolio. Both Braun and Quincey joined Coca-Cola in 1996 and have held various leadership roles within the company. The board of directors elected Braun as CEO and plans to nominate him for election as a director at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareowners.
Henrique Braun’s Extensive Experience and Background
Henrique Braun, 57, is a seasoned Coca-Cola veteran with more than 28 years of service. He has held numerous global leadership positions, including President of the Latin America operating unit (2020-2022), President of the Brazil business unit (2016-2020), and President for Greater China and South Korea (2013-2016). Since January 2025, Braun has served as Executive Vice President and COO, overseeing all of Coca-Cola’s worldwide operating units. Born in California and raised in Brazil, Braun holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, a Master of Science degree from Michigan State University, and an MBA from Georgia State University. His broad international experience and operational expertise across multiple continents position him to lead Coca-Cola’s global growth strategy.
James Quincey’s Legacy and Contributions
James Quincey, 60, has been a pivotal figure in Coca-Cola’s recent history. He became CEO in 2017 and chairman in 2019, guiding the company through significant strategic shifts. Under his leadership, Coca-Cola transformed into a 'total beverage company,' expanding beyond traditional soft drinks to include a diverse portfolio of over 10 billion-dollar brands such as BodyArmor, Fairlife, and Topo Chico. Quincey also led the company through the COVID-19 pandemic, oversaw a major restructuring in 2020 that reduced the number of brands by half, and streamlined bottling operations. His tenure saw a nearly 63% increase in Coca-Cola’s stock price. Quincey is credited with modernizing the company’s digital and marketing efforts and expanding its presence in emerging markets. He will remain actively involved in the company as Executive Chairman.
Strategic Focus and Future Outlook Under Braun
Henrique Braun’s appointment signals Coca-Cola’s commitment to continuing its global growth trajectory and adapting to evolving consumer preferences. Braun has expressed enthusiasm about unlocking future growth opportunities in a rapidly changing global market. His stated priorities as CEO include seeking the best growth opportunities worldwide, enhancing the company’s closeness to consumer needs, and leveraging technology to improve business performance. The board, represented by lead independent director David Weinberg, expressed confidence in Braun’s ability to build on Coca-Cola’s existing strengths and expand the company’s global footprint. Braun’s leadership will be critical as Coca-Cola navigates challenges such as tepid demand in mature markets like the U.S. and Europe, increased scrutiny of product ingredients, and the need for innovation in beverage offerings. Recent initiatives under Quincey’s leadership, such as the introduction of a cane sugar version of Coca-Cola in the U.S. following public and political interest, reflect the company’s responsiveness to consumer trends and regulatory environments.
Key Takeaways
- Henrique Braun’s promotion to CEO reflects Coca-Cola’s strategy to leverage experienced internal leadership for global growth.
- James Quincey’s nine-year tenure as CEO was marked by portfolio expansion, operational restructuring, and digital modernization.
- Braun’s international operational expertise and focus on technology and consumer engagement are central to Coca-Cola’s future plans.
References
- 1. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/10/coca-cola-coo-henrique-braun-ceo-.html
- 2. https://finance.yahoo.com/m/461fd5ba-e7a7-31fe-be20-3164e452e111/coca-cola-announces-major.html
- 3. https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/coca-cola-announces-major-leadership-change-henrique-braun-named-next-ceo
- 4. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251210905534/en/The-Coca-Cola-Company-Announces-CEO-Succession-Plan-Chief-Operating-Officer-Henrique-Braun-to-Succeed-James-Quincey-as-CEO-in-2026
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