Coca-Cola Appoints Henrique Braun as Global CEO, Succeeding James Quincey

Coca-Cola has named veteran company executive Henrique Braun as its new global chief executive officer, marking a significant leadership transition as the beverage giant adapts to shifting consumer demand for healthier, lower-sugar, and more affordable products. Braun, 57, will take over on March 31, while current CEO James Quincey will move into the role of executive chairman.

Both leaders joined Coca-Cola in 1996 and have held senior roles across multiple global markets. Braun, who became chief operating officer in January, brings extensive experience in supply chain management, business development, and bottling operations. He has previously led Coca-Cola’s businesses in Brazil, Greater China, South Korea, and International Development.

Quincey, who has led Coca-Cola since 2017, oversaw a major transformation of the company’s portfolio, accelerating its shift toward zero-sugar and low-calorie beverages while expanding into new categories such as sparkling water, coffee, milk, and energy drinks. Those efforts helped Coca-Cola navigate evolving consumer preferences and contributed to a nearly 63% rise in its share price since he took charge.

Coca-Cola currently trades at a forward price-to-earnings multiple of 21.86, outpacing rivals PepsiCo (16.93) and Keurig Dr Pepper (13.47), according to LSEG data. Analysts expect the leadership transition to sustain the company’s innovation trajectory. “Quincey set a high bar. Investors should expect the new CEO to continue to refresh the portfolio of brands,” said Kimberly Forrest, CIO of Bokeh Capital Partners.

Braun steps into the role amid heightened regulatory scrutiny in the U.S. food and beverage sector and shifting demand patterns across global markets. Rising interest in low-calorie offerings has softened sales of Coca-Cola’s flagship soda, while markets like India and China show growing preference for local beverage styles. The company is also preparing to introduce a cane sugar version of its core cola in glass bottles as part of its product diversification strategy.

Coca-Cola’s leadership change comes during a period of widespread C-suite reshuffling across the consumer goods industry, driven by supply chain pressures, tariff dynamics, and more fragmented spending patterns. With its focus on zero-sugar innovation, expanded product categories, and operational restructuring, the company aims to sustain long-term growth despite industry headwinds.

Braun’s broad international experience is expected to be central to guiding Coca-Cola’s next phase as it balances regulatory pressures, profitability, and evolving consumer tastes worldwide.