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Mark Kirkham has been promoted to chief marketing officer at PepsiCo Beverages US.

Kirkham, who is succeeding Greg Lyons, most recently served as senior VP of marketing for sparkling brands, returning to the US six months ago after holding international leadership roles, including CMO of PepsiCo International Beverages. He joined PepsiCo over 10 years ago and played a key role in expanding its global zero sugar offerings.

As CMO, Kirkham will lead marketing for PepsiCo in the US, responsible for brand strategy across household brands, including Pepsi, Mountain Dew and for partners Starbucks and Lipton.

Ram Krishnan, CEO of PepsiCo Beverages US, said: “I am excited to announce Mark Kirkham as the new chief marketing officer for PepsiCo Beverages US. Mark is a multi-disciplined marketer and creative storyteller with deep, global experience in the beverage business.”

Krishnan added: “He led the step-changed international approach to accelerating zero sugar and expanding our portfolio to address the needs of evolving consumers. In working with Mark over the years, I’ve been impressed by his imaginative approach to scalable problem solving; he is well-poised to take on this role and lead us into the next chapter of innovation and growth.” 

In a Linkedin post announcing his new role, Kirkham said: “Thrilled to be leading the next chapter for PepsiCo Beverages in the US as the new chief marketing officer… Over the past 15 years, it has been an honour and privilege to work across our portfolio of amazing brands – and work with some of the most talented people in the industry.”

He finished his post by thanking Lyons: “My heartfelt thanks to my friend, mentor, colleague and boss Greg Lyons whose legacy at PepsiCo will be forever cherished.”

Kirkham’s appointment comes following PepsiCo’s acquisition of Poppi, a probiotic soda brand and a move into zero sugar and healthier soda options.