The Coca‑Cola Company announced that its board of directors has elected Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Henrique Braun as chief executive officer, effective March 31, 2026. Braun will succeed James Quincey, who will transition to the role of Executive Chairman after serving as CEO for nine years. The board also plans to nominate Braun, 57, to stand for election as a director at the company’s 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareowners.
Quincey, 60, will step down as CEO following a tenure that included a strategic shift toward positioning the company as a total beverage business and reshaping its operating model. During his leadership, the company expanded its portfolio with more than 10 additional billion-dollar brands and advanced its digital and marketing capabilities. He also led the organisation through the COVID-19 pandemic.
As CEO, Braun is expected to build on the existing foundation, with priorities including identifying global growth opportunities, strengthening alignment with consumer needs, and using technology to support business performance.
Commenting on the transition, David Weinberg, lead independent director of the company, said, “James Quincey is a transformative leader. 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.”