Coca-Cola Names Henrique Braun CEO as James Quincey Steps Down

Coca-Cola has appointed long-time executive Henrique Braun as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective March 31, 2026.

The announcement follows the decision of current CEO James Quincey to step down after nearly nine years in the role. Quincey will move to the position of Executive Chairman, where he will continue contributing to the company’s strategic direction.

Braun, 57, has spent more than two decades at Coca-Cola since joining in 1996. He has held senior leadership positions across major markets including Brazil, Latin America, Greater China and South Korea.

• Coca-Cola appoints Henrique Braun as new CEO as James Quincey shifts to Executive Chairman
• Leadership change comes amid slowing beverage demand and Coca-Cola’s push for diversification
• Veteran executive Braun set to drive global growth, innovation and operational efficiency

In his latest capacity as Chief Operating Officer, Braun oversaw global operations, supply chain strengthening, marketing execution, innovation programs and coordination with bottling partners. His experience across geographies and product categories positions him to lead the company through shifting consumer demand and competitive pressures.

The leadership transition comes during a period of tepid demand for traditional carbonated beverages as consumers move toward health-focused drinks and value-driven products. Coca-Cola has expanded its range of low-sugar beverages, water brands, coffee products and sports drinks to address evolving preferences. Market performance in the United States and Europe has moderated, prompting a sharper focus on category diversification and operational efficiency.

During Quincey’s tenure since 2017, Coca-Cola added more than 10 billion-dollar brands, including BodyArmor and Fairlife, while restructuring its business to streamline decision-making and improve global execution. These initiatives strengthened the company’s brand portfolio, though demand softness in several regions has remained a key challenge.

The board expressed confidence that Henrique Braun will accelerate growth initiatives and reinforce the company’s competitive position. Investor reaction to the leadership change was steady, with shares trading unchanged in after-hours activity following the announcement.

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Braun will work with Quincey and the board during the transition period to outline operational priorities for the coming years.