Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) taps Henrique Braun as future CEO, James Quincey to become Executive Chairman
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
The Coca-Cola Company announced a planned leadership transition. The Board of Directors elected Henrique Braun, currently Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, to become Chief Executive Officer effective March 31, 2026. On that date, current CEO James Quincey will transition to the role of Executive Chairman, providing continuity at the Board level.
Mr. Braun, age 57, has held senior leadership roles across multiple international operating units since 2013 and became Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in January 2025. The Board also intends to nominate him for election as a director at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareowners. The company issued a press release with further details, included as Exhibit 99.1.
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Insights
Coca-Cola discloses an orderly CEO succession with strong internal continuity.
The Coca-Cola Company outlines a clear succession plan by naming Henrique Braun as Chief Executive Officer effective
Mr. Braun’s long tenure since 1996 and progression through key geographic and operating unit leadership roles, culminating in his appointment as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in
This kind of staged transition is typically designed to reduce disruption, but the actual impact will depend on how responsibilities are balanced between the CEO and Executive Chairman roles over time. Investors may pay close attention to future disclosures around any strategic shifts once Mr. Braun assumes the CEO position on
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
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FORM
CURRENT REPORT
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| Item 5.02. | Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers. |
On December 10, 2025, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of The Coca-Cola Company (the “Company”) elected Henrique Braun, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective March 31, 2026, on which date James Quincey, the Company’s current Chief Executive Officer, will transition to Executive Chairman.
The Board also intends to nominate Mr. Braun to stand for election as a director at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareowners.
Henrique Braun, age 57, was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company in January 2025, overseeing all the Company’s operating units worldwide. He has served as Executive Vice President since 2024. From 2023 to 2024, Mr. Braun served as Senior Vice President and President, International Development, overseeing seven of the Company’s nine operating units. Mr. 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, Mr. Braun was President of the Greater China and Korea business unit. Mr. Braun joined the Company in 1996. He will continue to serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer until his appointment to Chief Executive Officer.
A copy of the press release issued by the Company is furnished with this report as Exhibit 99.1.
| Item 9.01(d). | Financial Statements and Exhibits. |
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. |
Description | |
| Exhibit 99.1 | Press Release of The Coca-Cola Company, dated December 10, 2025. | |
| Exhibit 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the iXBRL document). |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| THE COCA-COLA COMPANY | |||
| (REGISTRANT) | |||
| Date: December 10, 2025 | By: | /s/ Monica Howard Douglas | |
| Monica Howard Douglas | |||
| Executive Vice President and Global General Counsel | |||
FAQ
Who will be the new CEO of The Coca-Cola Company (KO)?
The Board elected Henrique Braun, currently Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, to become Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company effective March 31, 2026.
What role will current Coca-Cola (KO) CEO James Quincey have after March 31, 2026?
On March 31, 2026, when Henrique Braun becomes CEO, James Quincey, the current Chief Executive Officer, will transition to the role of Executive Chairman.
What is Henrique Braun’s current position at The Coca-Cola Company (KO)?
Henrique Braun is currently Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, a role he has held since January 2025, overseeing all of the company’s operating units worldwide.
Will Henrique Braun join the Board of Directors of Coca-Cola (KO)?
The Board of Directors intends to nominate Henrique Braun to stand for election as a director at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareowners.
What experience does Henrique Braun bring to the CEO role at Coca-Cola (KO)?
Henrique Braun, age 57, joined the company in 1996 and has held senior roles including President of the Brazil business unit, President of the Latin America operating unit, President of the Greater China and Korea business unit, and Senior Vice President and President, International Development before becoming Executive Vice President in 2024 and COO in 2025.
Did Coca-Cola (KO) issue a press release about the CEO transition?
Yes. A press release describing the leadership changes is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to the report, dated December 10, 2025.
