PepsiCo: Unifying Operations with Leadership Restructure

PepsiCo has announced a series of organisational leadership changes, designed to support its growth strategy and unify business operations.

The moves come as PepsiCo continues to accelerate investment in technology, AI and the development of more sustainable and efficient manufacturing and distribution networks across its value chain.

The appointments are set to take effect from 28 December and form part of a broader strategy that has seen PepsiCo work to unify its North American business over the past year. The changes are intended to further integrate its foods and beverages divisions to better meet consumer and customer demand.

Krishnan to lead North American operational integration

Ram Krishnan is set to step into the role of CEO for PepsiCo North America. He is tasked with an “aggressive agenda” to accelerate the integration of PepsiCo's food and beverage operations.

His experience across various categories, geographies and functions could position him to implement an end-to-end, consumer-first mindset. Krishnan has a record of building momentum in the US Beverages sector through portfolio innovation and go-to-market transformation.

“Leadership is not about titles or positions; it's about the impact you leave behind,” Ram writes on LinkedIn. “Over my career, I’ve been fortunate to learn from incredible mentors and colleagues who shaped how I think about leadership.”

Several teams with direct oversight of the supply chain and go-to-market strategy will report to Krishnan.

Key members of his team include:

• 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
• The newly integrated Texoma region, where PepsiCo is piloting combined Foods and Beverages operations

Technology and transformation focus for Latin America

In addition to her current role as Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer, Athina Kanioura will become CEO of Latin America Foods.

Athina has been a key figure in shaping PepsiCo's corporate strategy and leading its global capabilities transformation. She brings extensive experience in business transformation and technology to the position.

Under her leadership, the Latin America Foods division can continue its path of innovation, using digital-first solutions, leveraging AI and piloting new culinary initiatives.

“I am truly excited to share that I will be stepping into the role of Chief Executive Officer for PepsiCo Latin America Foods, while continuing to lead and build upon the legacy of success of our S&T team,” Athina states on LinkedIn.

She will succeed Paula Santilli, who is retiring after a 35-year career at PepsiCo. 

“It is an honour to follow in the footsteps of Paula Santilli, whose leadership has shaped Latin America into one of PepsiCo’s most dynamic and resilient regions," adds Athina. "I am grateful to be able to count her as a friend and trusted advisor.”

Paula will remain with PepsiCo until July to support the transition.

A new global commercial and corporate affairs role

The current Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo North America, Steven Williams, has been appointed Executive Vice President and Vice Chairman, Global Chief Commercial Officer and Corporate Affairs.

In his new capacity, Steven will have a global remit with major implications for PepsiCo's operational structure.

According to PepsiCo, Steven will focus on "building a unified PepsiCo selling team, developing a global strategy to accelerate growth for our away-from-home business and engaging stakeholders to support our growth in the US and around the world". 

This strategic focus on creating a unified selling structure suggests a move towards more integrated logistics and distribution channels, aligning commercial goals more closely with the operational capabilities of the business worldwide.