Coca-Cola names Henrique Braun as next CEO, effective March 31, 2026, succeeding James Quincey, who becomes executive chairman. Braun, current COO, brings extensive experience, driving growth and innovation. Quincey praises Braun’s leadership, citing confidence in company’s future.
The Coca-Cola Company has announced a major leadership change, with Henrique Braun set to take the helm as the company’s next CEO, effective March 31, 2026. Braun, who currently serves as the company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will succeed James Quincey, who has been at the company’s helm for nine years.
Quincey, who joined Coca-Cola in 1996, has been instrumental in transforming the company into a “total beverage company”. During his tenure, he oversaw the addition of more than 10 billion-dollar brands, including BodyArmor and Fairlife, and expanded the company’s portfolio to include coffee, sports drinks, and energy drinks. Quincey’s leadership also guided the company through the COVID-19 pandemic, and he is credited with driving digital transformation and modernizing the company’s marketing efforts.
Braun, who also joined Coca-Cola in 1996, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He has held various leadership positions across the globe, including president of Coca-Cola’s business units in Brazil, Greater China, and South Korea. As COO, Braun has been responsible for overseeing the company’s worldwide operating units, and he has played a key role in driving growth and innovation.
“I will focus on continuing the momentum we’ve built with our system,” Braun said in a statement. “We’ll work to unlock future growth in partnership with our bottlers. I’m excited about the future of our business and see huge opportunities in a fast-changing global market”.
Quincey, who will transition to the role of executive chairman, praised Braun’s leadership and expressed confidence in the company’s future. “Henrique is a trusted and highly experienced business partner, and he’s the right leader to steer the company,” Quincey said.
The leadership change comes as Coca-Cola faces challenges in the global beverage market, including changing consumer preferences and increasing competition. However, Braun’s appointment is seen as a positive step towards driving growth and innovation, and investors have reacted positively to the news, with Coca-Cola’s stock price rising slightly in response.
As Braun prepares to take the helm, he will face the challenge of navigating the company’s continued growth and expansion in a rapidly changing market. With his extensive experience and proven track record, he is well-positioned to lead Coca-Cola into the next chapter of its success.
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