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The Coca-Cola Company’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, Henrique Braun, will succeed current CEO James Quincey as chief executive officer from 31 March 2026.

Quincey will transition to the role of executive chairman after serving as CEO for nine years. Coca-Cola’s board also plans to nominate Braun, pictured above, to stand for election as director at the company’s 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareowners.

During Quincey’s tenure, he led the business’ transformation through a reshaped strategy and operating model, aiming to create a more agile and networked company. This included a focus on digital transformation and modernised marketing. He also led the company through the Covid-19 pandemic, and saw the addition of more than ten billion-dollar brands under his leadership.

As CEO, Braun will build on this foundation by seeking growth opportunities worldwide, driving the company closer to consumer needs and leveraging technology as an enabler of business performance.

He has served as EVP and COO since 1 January 2025, overseeing all of the company’s operating units worldwide, following his appointment as EVP in 2024. From 2023 to 2024, he served as senior vice president and president of international development, overseeing seven of the company’s nine operating units.

Prior to that, he served as president of the Latin America unit from 2020 to 2022, and as president of the Brazil business from 2016 to 2020. From 2013 to 2016, he was president for Greater China and South Korea.

He joined Coca-Cola in 1996 and progressed through roles of increasing responsibilities in North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia, in areas including supply chain, new business development, marketing, innovation, general management and bottling operations.

Commenting on his appointment, he said: “I’m honoured to take on this new role and have tremendous appreciation for everything James has done to lead the company. I will focus on continuing the momentum we’ve built with our system. 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.”

Outgoing CEO Quincey became chief executive in 2017 and chairman of the board in 2019. He joined the company in 1996 and has held leadership roles around the world.

In addition to growing Coca-Cola’s brand portfolio and market share during his tenure, Quincey also played a key role in the creation of Coca Cola Europacific Partners, one of the largest independent Coca Cola bottlers in the world.

He commented: “I’m stepping down as CEO after a 30-year career with the company, and I have an appreciation of what a privilege it has been to serve this great and enduring business. Henrique is a trusted and highly experienced business partner, and he’s the right leader to steer the company and the Coca Cola system for future growth and success.”