The Coca‑Cola Company announced that its chief operating officer, Henrique Braun, will become the next chief executive officer, taking the helm on March 31, 2026. Braun has been with the company since 1996, has served as COO since January 2025, and will also be elected to the board and named executive chairman when James Quincey steps down.
Quincey, who has led Coca‑Cola as CEO for nine years and as chairman since 2019, will transition to the role of executive chairman. He is 60 years old, while Braun is 57. Braun’s long tenure—nearly three decades of experience across global regions—positions him to continue the company’s strategic trajectory.
The succession follows Coca‑Cola’s long‑term plan to shift toward a more asset‑light, high‑margin model through refranchising its bottling operations. The company has been refranchising since 2016, moving from a mix of owned and franchised bottling to a concentrate‑centric business that delivers higher profitability. Braun’s experience in global markets and his focus on high‑margin beverage categories align with the company’s goal of expanding beyond traditional sodas into waters, sports drinks, coffees, and alcoholic beverages.
James Quincey said, “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.” David Weinberg, lead independent director, added, “We are confident that Henrique will build on the company’s existing strengths to unlock more growth opportunities and increase the power of the incredible Coca‑Cola system.” Braun noted, “I will focus on continuing the momentum we’ve built with our system and work to unlock future growth in partnership with our bottlers.”
The transition is designed to preserve momentum in Coca‑Cola’s refranchising strategy and its focus on high‑margin beverage categories. By keeping leadership within the organization, the company signals confidence in its current trajectory and its ability to navigate evolving consumer preferences while maintaining operational leverage and pricing power. Braun’s appointment is expected to reinforce the company’s commitment to a total beverage portfolio and to deepen its global reach.
The move underscores Coca‑Cola’s emphasis on continuity and experience, ensuring that the company’s long‑term succession plan remains on track while positioning it to capitalize on growth opportunities in a changing beverage landscape.
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