PepsiCo Reshapes Global Leadership to Accelerate Growth and Advance 2030 Strategy

Last month, PepsiCo announced a series of leadership appointments and structural updates aimed at advancing its 2030 growth strategy and transformation agenda.

Over the past year, the company has unified its North America businesses, increased investments in advanced technology and artificial intelligence, strengthened its brands, modernized manufacturing, and enhanced warehouse and distribution capabilities. PepsiCo said these efforts have created a more agile and future-ready organization, setting the stage for the next phase of transformation.

Steven Williams and Ram Krishnan to Lead North America Transformation

Steven Williams, who has served as CEO of PepsiCo North America, has been appointed Executive Vice President and Vice Chairman, Global Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and Corporate Affairs, effective December 28, 2025. In his new role, Williams will focus on building a unified global selling organization, accelerating growth in PepsiCo’s away-from-home business, and engaging key stakeholders worldwide. 

Following this transition, Ram Krishnan will assume the role of CEO, PepsiCo North America, effective the same date. Krishnan will lead efforts to further integrate Foods and Beverages operations, enhancing value creation for consumers and customers. Known for driving portfolio innovation and go-to-market transformation in US Beverages, Krishnan brings broad experience across categories, geographies, and functions.

Ram Krishnan’s organization will include:

• Rachel Ferdinando, who will continue as CEO of the US Foods Category
• Mike Del Pozzo, promoted to President of the US Beverages Category and joining the PepsiCo Executive Committee
• Gregg Roden, who will continue to lead the North America Supply Chain team
• Bryan Santee, who will lead the US Commercial and Go-To-Market teams as Chief Commercial Officer, US

Additional teams reporting to Krishnan include Foods and Beverages Field Sales, Strategic Partnerships and Franchise, the newly integrated Texoma region, Global Foodservice, and PepsiCo Canada.

Athina Kanioura Appointed CEO of Latin America Foods

Athina Kanioura has been named CEO of Latin America Foods, in addition to her role as Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer, effective December 28, 2025. She succeeds Paula Santilli, who will retire after a distinguished 35-year career at PepsiCo and will remain with the company through July to support the transition.

Kanioura has played a central role in shaping PepsiCo’s global strategy and leading its capabilities transformation. With deep expertise in transformation and technology, she is expected to drive continued innovation across Latin America Foods, leveraging digital-first solutions, AI, and new culinary initiatives to meet evolving consumer needs.

These organizational changes reinforce PepsiCo’s commitment to focused leadership, integration, and innovation, positioning the company to capture new growth opportunities and deliver long-term value for consumers, customers, shareholders, and employees.