Henrique Braun to Succeed James Quincey as CEO of The Coca-Cola Company in 2026
Henrique Braun has been elected to become the next CEO of The Coca-Cola Company • Photo Credit: The Coca-Cola Company
ATLANTA, December 10, 2025 (WHERE & WHAT TO EAT) — Beverage company The Coca-Cola Company has announced that Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Henrique Braun will become CEO on March 31, 2026. Braun will succeed James Quincey, who will transition to Executive Chairman after nine years in the role.
James Quincey will be Executive Chairman after stepping down as CEO of The Coca-Cola Company • Photo Credit: The Coca-Cola Company
In a press release, the company stated that its board also intends to nominate Braun to stand for election as a director at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareowners.
Quincey, who has led the organization since 2017, oversaw strategic changes designed to position Coca-Cola as a total beverage company, including brand expansion, operating model shifts, and digital transformation initiatives. His tenure also included navigating the business through the COVID-19 pandemic.
As CEO, Braun will focus on identifying global growth opportunities, strengthening alignment with consumer demand, and advancing technology-driven performance improvements, according to the company.
“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,” said David Weinberg, Coca-Cola’s lead independent director.
Braun joined Coca-Cola in 1996 and has held leadership roles across North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. His experience includes overseeing operating units worldwide as EVP and COO, as well as serving as President of International Development, the Latin America unit, the Brazil business unit, and Greater China & South Korea.
“I’m honored 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’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,” said Braun.
Quincey has held multiple leadership roles since joining the company in 1996, including COO, President, and head of the Europe Group. His work included efforts to expand the brand portfolio, modernize operations, and support the creation of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.
“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,” said Quincey.
“On behalf of the board, I thank James for his outstanding leadership. 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,” said Weinberg.
For more information, visit www.coca-colacompany.com.
Source: The Coca-Cola
