As CEO, Braun’s priorities include seeking the best growth opportunities worldwide, driving the company to get even closer to consumer needs
The Coca-Cola Company has notified that its board of directors has elected Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Henrique Braun as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 31 March 2026. Braun will succeed James Quincey, who will transition to Executive Chairman after serving as CEO for nine years.
The board also plans to nominate Braun to stand for election as a director at the company’s 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareowners, Coca-Cola said in a statement. Quincey led the transformation of the business as a total beverage company, driven by a focus on staying closely connected to consumers. Under his leadership, the company has added more than ten additional billion-dollar brands.
As CEO, Braun will focus on opportunities to build on this strong foundation. His priorities include seeking the best growth opportunities worldwide, driving the company to get even closer to consumer needs, and leveraging technology as an enabler of business performance and growth.
Braun has served as EVP and COO since 1 January 2025, overseeing all the company’s operating units worldwide. He has served as EVP since 2024. From 2023 to 2024, Braun served as Senior Vice President and President, International Development, overseeing seven of the company’s nine operating units.
“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. 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,” stated David Weinberg, Coca-Cola’s lead independent director.
Braun served as President of the Latin America operating unit from 2020 to 2022 and as President of the Brazil business unit from 2016 to 2020. From 2013 to 2016, Braun was President for Greater China & South Korea.
“I am honoured to take on this new role and have tremendous appreciation for everything James has done to lead the company. I will focus on continuing the momentum we have built with our system. We will work to unlock future growth in partnership with our bottlers. I am excited about the future of our business and see huge opportunities in a fast-changing global market,” Braun said.
Braun joined Coca‑Cola in 1996 in Atlanta and progressed through roles of increasing responsibilities in North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. Those positions included supply chain, new business development, marketing, innovation, general management and bottling operations.
