Henrique Braun Appointed as New CEO of Coca-Cola Effective 31 March 2026

The Coca-Cola Company has announced a major leadership transition as Henrique Braun, currently the Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Operating Officer (COO), will become the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective 31 March 2026.
He will succeed James Quincey, who will assume the role of Executive Chairman after serving nine years as CEO. This transition represents a new era of innovation and growth for one of the world’s most recognizable global brands.

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Henrique Braun Appointed as New CEO of Coca-Cola Effective 31 March 2026

Leadership Transition: Board Decision

The Coca-Cola Board of Directors unanimously elected Henrique Braun as the next CEO and will nominate him as a director at the company’s 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareowners.

James Quincey will move into the Executive Chairman role, ensuring continuity and strategic guidance.
The board’s decision reflects confidence in Braun’s proven leadership and ability to drive long-term global growth.

Why This Transition Matters

Under James Quincey, Coca-Cola was transformed into a “total beverage company” with a diversified portfolio of over 10 new billion-dollar brands.
Henrique Braun will now build upon this foundation by emphasizing:

Sustained global growth
Innovation and new market expansion
Deeper consumer engagement through technology and brand connectivity

David Weinberg, Coca-Cola’s Lead Independent Director, stated that Braun’s experience and strategic vision will “unlock new opportunities and strengthen the Coca-Cola system globally.”

Henrique Braun: Career Highlights

Henrique Braun brings nearly three decades of experience at Coca-Cola, having held leadership positions across North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. His journey demonstrates operational excellence, innovation, and strategic vision.

Key Career Milestones:

2025–2026: Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer (COO)
2024–2025: Executive Vice President
2023–2024: Senior VP & President, International Development (oversaw 7 of 9 global units)
2020–2022: President, Latin America Operating Unit
2016–2020: President, Brazil Business Unit
2013–2016: President, Greater China & South Korea
1996–2013: Roles in supply chain, marketing, innovation, and general management

Having joined Coca-Cola in 1996 in Atlanta, Braun’s global experience makes him one of the company’s most well-rounded leaders.

James Quincey: A Transformative CEO

During his tenure (2017–2026), James Quincey redefined Coca-Cola’s strategy by:

Shifting toward a multi-category, consumer-centric portfolio
Expanding digital transformation and sustainability goals
Strengthening bottler partnerships worldwide
Adding 10+ billion-dollar brands to Coca-Cola’s portfolio

Quincey’s leadership repositioned Coca-Cola as a modern, agile, and innovative company ready for future market challenges.

Braun’s Vision as the New CEO

Henrique Braun has identified three core strategic priorities for Coca-Cola’s next chapter:

1. Identifying Global Growth Opportunities

Focus on high-potential markets and evolving beverage categories.

2. Getting Closer to Consumer Needs

Prioritize agility, local relevance, and consumer-driven innovation.

3. Leveraging Technology for Performance

Use AI and digital analytics to enhance business intelligence, supply chain efficiency, and product innovation.

This strategy aims to balance sustainable growth, innovation, and consumer trust across Coca-Cola’s global network.

Reactions from Coca-Cola Leadership

David Weinberg (Lead Independent Director): Praised Quincey’s legacy and expressed full confidence in Braun’s leadership.
Henrique Braun: Thanked the board and stated that Coca-Cola’s next phase will focus on innovation, sustainability, and expanding global partnerships.

This transition is seen as a continuation of Coca-Cola’s long-term growth vision, ensuring stability while embracing new global opportunities.

Exam-Oriented Key Facts

Company: The Coca-Cola Company
New CEO: Henrique Braun
Current Role: EVP & COO (2025–2026)
Effective Date: 31 March 2026
Predecessor: James Quincey
James Quincey’s New Role: Executive Chairman
Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Founded: 1892
Lead Independent Director: David Weinberg
FIH President Equivalent (Not Relevant)
Coca-Cola’s New Strategy: Growth, Innovation, Consumer Engagement

Question & Answer

Q1. Who has been appointed as the new CEO of The Coca-Cola Company effective from 31 March 2026?
(a) James Quincey
(b) Henrique Braun
(c) David Weinberg
(d) Ramon Laguarta
Answer: Henrique Braun

Q2. Who will Henrique Braun succeed as the CEO of Coca-Cola?
(a) Sundar Pichai
(b) James Quincey
(c) Satya Nadella
(d) Ramon Laguarta
Answer: James Quincey

Q3. What new position will James Quincey assume after stepping down as Coca-Cola’s CEO?
(a) COO
(b) Executive Chairman
(c) CFO
(d) Chief Strategy Officer
Answer: Executive Chairman

Q4. In which year did Henrique Braun join The Coca-Cola Company?
(a) 1994
(b) 1996
(c) 1998
(d) 2000
Answer: 1996

Q5. What are Henrique Braun’s top three strategic priorities as CEO?
(a) Growth, Innovation, and Technology
(b) Digitalization, Marketing, and AI
(c) Global Expansion, Partnerships, and Branding
(d) Sustainability, Advertising, and Finance
Answer: Growth, Innovation, and Technology

Q6. Where is the global headquarters of The Coca-Cola Company located?
(a) New York
(b) London
(c) Atlanta
(d) San Francisco
Answer: Atlanta

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