The Coca‑Cola Company has announced that Henrique Braun, currently Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will become CEO effective March 31, 2026. Braun will take over from James Quincey, who will transition to the role of Executive Chairman after nine years as CEO.
The board of directors also plans to nominate Braun for election as a director at the company’s 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareowners. Braun, age 57, has held several leadership roles within Coca‑Cola since joining in 1996. Most recently, he has overseen all operating units worldwide as COO since January 2025 and previously served as Senior Vice President and President of International Development.
James Quincey, who is stepping down as CEO at age 60, led the company through significant changes including a focus on digital transformation and navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. During his tenure, Coca‑Cola added more than ten billion-dollar brands and adopted a new strategy to make the business more agile.
“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’s career at Coca‑Cola includes positions across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia in areas such as supply chain management, marketing, innovation, general management, and bottling operations. He holds degrees from University Federal of Rio de Janeiro (agricultural engineering), Michigan State University (Master of Science), and Georgia State University (MBA). Born in California and raised in Brazil, Braun is an American citizen.
“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 The Coca‑Cola Company in Atlanta in 1996 after working at The Kalchas Group consulting firm. He held various leadership roles around the world before becoming CEO in 2017 and Chairman of the Board in 2019. He is also involved with Pfizer Inc., The Consumer Goods Forum, and serves on advisory councils related to corporate governance.
“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 expressed confidence about leadership continuity: “On behalf of the board, I thank James for his outstanding leadership,” Weinberg said. “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.”
