The Coca‑Cola Company announced that Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Henrique Braun has been elected CEO, effective March 31, 2026. Braun will succeed James Quincey, who will transition to Executive Chairman after serving as CEO for nine years. The board also plans to nominate Braun, 57, for election as a director at the company’s 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareowners.
Quincey, 60, has led Coca‑Cola’s transformation into a total beverage company, expanding the brand portfolio with more than 10 additional billion-dollar brands and focusing on digital transformation and modern marketing. He also guided the company through the COVID-19 pandemic.
As CEO, Braun will focus on global growth opportunities, getting closer to consumer needs, and leveraging technology to enhance performance.
“James Quincey is a transformative leader,” said David Weinberg, Coca‑Cola’s lead independent director. “James set and executed a strategy that has built Coca‑Cola’s status as a global leader. James will continue to be very active in the business through his role as Executive Chairman. We are confident that Henrique Braun will build on the company’s existing strengths to unlock more growth opportunities and increase the power of the incredible Coca‑Cola system.”
Braun has been with Coca‑Cola since 1996, serving in roles across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. He has been EVP and COO since January 2025, and previously led the company’s Latin America, Brazil, and Greater China & South Korea units. Braun holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering from the University Federal of Rio de Janeiro, a Master of Science from Michigan State University, and an MBA from Georgia State University.
“I’m honored to take on this new role and have tremendous appreciation for everything James has done to lead the company,” Braun said. “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.”
Quincey joined Coca‑Cola in 1996 and became CEO in 2017. He also served as Chairman of the board since 2019. Before becoming CEO, Quincey held leadership roles around the world, including President of Europe Group and COO.
“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,” Quincey said. “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.”
Weinberg added, “On behalf of the board, I thank James for his outstanding leadership. James has done what a strong CEO should do – he has focused on the future and developing and empowering the next set of leaders who will take Coke forward. Henrique has shown that he is the right leader for the future of Coca‑Cola.”
The Coca‑Cola Company is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories, including brands such as Coca‑Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Dasani, smartwater, Topo Chico, Costa Coffee, Minute Maid, and fairlife. (Inputs from The Coca-Cola Company)
