Key Points:
- Henrique Braun to be Coca-Cola CEO in 2026
- James Quincey becomes Executive Chairman
- Focus on growth and digital strategy
The Coca-Cola Company has announced a significant leadership transition, confirming that Chief Operating Officer Henrique Braun will succeed James Quincey as Chief Executive Officer on March 31, 2026. The company’s board unanimously approved the move as part of its long-term succession strategy. Quincey, who has led the beverage giant since 2017, will step down from the CEO role and shift to the position of Executive Chairman, continuing to guide strategic priorities at the board level.
The succession marks one of Coca-Cola’s most anticipated leadership decisions in recent years. The company highlighted that Braun’s appointment supports its ongoing global growth plans, digital transformation efforts, and the continued evolution of its beverage portfolio. The board will also nominate Braun for election as a director at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareowners, further integrating him into the company’s top governance structure.
Henrique Braun: A Global Veteran Rising to the Top
Henrique Braun, 57, has spent nearly three decades with Coca-Cola, rising steadily through international leadership roles since joining the company in Atlanta in 1996. His career spans major markets including Brazil, China, South Korea, and Latin America, where he played key roles in strengthening regional operations and driving consumer-focused strategies.
In 2024, Braun was promoted to Executive Vice President, and by January 2025, he assumed the position of Chief Operating Officer. As COO, he has overseen all global operating units and helped shape the company’s plans for accelerated growth, integrating advanced technologies and expanding Coca-Cola’s presence in emerging markets.
Upon the announcement, Braun described the CEO appointment as an honour and emphasized his commitment to building on the company’s current momentum. He highlighted a forward-looking agenda focused on deeper consumer engagement, enhanced system-wide collaboration, and continued innovation across Coca-Cola’s beverage categories.
With wide-ranging geographic experience and a longstanding track record of operational success, Braun is positioned to lead Coca-Cola through its next phase of expansion, competitive adaptation, and brand evolution.
Quincey’s Legacy and the Road Ahead
James Quincey, 60, leaves behind a transformative legacy as CEO. Under his leadership, Coca-Cola Company shifted from being primarily a soft-drink company to a diversified “total beverage” powerhouse. He spearheaded the launch and expansion of more than ten brands that surpassed the billion-dollar sales mark, modernized the company’s marketing framework, and accelerated digital initiatives across global markets.
Quincey also guided Coca-Cola through the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating supply chain disruptions and changing consumer behavior while maintaining financial resilience. His focus on reducing sugar content, adapting to health-conscious trends, and expanding into non-soda categories helped reposition the company in a rapidly evolving beverage landscape.
As Executive Chairman, Quincey will continue to influence long-term strategy while ensuring a smooth transition for Braun. Industry analysts view the change as a continuation of Coca-Cola’s emphasis on internal leadership development and global operational strength.
With Braun preparing to take the helm in 2026, Coca-Cola faces both opportunities and challenges in a competitive market driven by shifting tastes, sustainability concerns, and advanced technology. The company’s leadership believes that Braun’s international background and operational expertise make him well-equipped to steer the next chapter of its global expansion.
Visit Visionary CIOs for the most recent information.
