Coca-Cola names new CEO, Henrique Braun to lead company as James Quincey steps down amid tepid demand
Coca-Cola appointed soft drink maker Henrique Braun as its new CEO on Wednesday, joining the list of packaged goods companies undergoing leadership changes.
Henrique Braun will replace James Quincey in the role as Coca-Cola and its rivals find ways to cope with declining consumer demand for soft drinks.
The leadership change at Coca-Cola comes as packaged food companies seek to adjust their strategies to consumers seeking healthier, more affordable drinks and snacks.
Braun will take over as Coca-Cola’s new CEO effective March 31, 2026, the company said Wednesday.
James Quincey will serve as Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola as a result of the leadership change.
The current CEO has been in his role for nearly nine years, taking over the top role in 2017. During his tenure, he reshaped the company’s strategy and operating model to create a more agile, networked company focused on digital transformation and modern marketing.
Coca-Cola’s stock price has risen 63 percent since Quincey, 60, took over as CEO. During his nine years in charge, he has seen many changes at the beverage giant, sharpening its focus on zero-sugar and low-calorie drinks and adding product lines such as milk, sparkling water, coffee and energy drinks through acquisitions.
Responsibilities of Henrique Braun
Coca-Cola said in a statement that Henrique Braun’s new role will build on the soda maker’s strong foundations.
Its priorities include seeking the best growth opportunities around the world; Leading Coca-Cola to approach consumer needs; and leveraging technology as an enabler of business performance and growth.
“I will focus on continuing the momentum we have built with our system. We will work to unlock future growth in partnership with our bottlers,” Braun said in a statement.
Coca-Cola’s board of directors also planned to nominate him as a director, and elections will be held at the company’s 2026 annual shareholders’ meeting.
Who is Henrique Braun?
Henrique Braun, who currently serves as Chief Operating Officer at Coca-Cola, joined the company in 1996 along with James Quincey. He has held global leadership roles for Coca-Cola over the past three decades.
I will focus on continuing the momentum we have built with our system. We will work to unlock future growth in partnership with our bottlers
Braun became Coca-Cola’s COO in January this year and was tasked with overseeing all of the company’s operating units worldwide.
He was promoted to executive vice president in 2024 and became senior vice president and president of international development for Coca-Cola in 2023, overseeing seven of the company’s nine business units.
Henrique Braun was president of the Latin America operating unit from 2020 to 2022 and president of the Brazil business unit from 2016 to 2020. From 2013 to 2016, Braun was president of Greater China and South Korea.
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’s degree from Michigan State University, and an MBA from Georgia State University.
