The Coca-Cola Company has announced that Henrique Braun will take on the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective January 1, 2025. In this newly expanded position, Braun will be responsible for overseeing the company’s global operating units. His appointment marks a significant step in the company’s continued efforts to drive growth and strengthen its position in the global beverage market. Braun will report directly to James Quincey, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company.
Currently, Braun serves as the Executive Vice President (EVP) and President of the company’s International Development sector. In this capacity, he oversees the operations of several key regions, including Latin America, Japan & South Korea, ASEAN & South Pacific, Greater China and Mongolia, Africa, India & Southwest Asia, and Eurasia and the Middle East. As COO, Braun will assume responsibility for the North America and Europe operating units, further expanding his global reach.
James Quincey praised Braun’s extensive experience and leadership abilities, stating, “Henrique has built an impressive track record of driving our growth strategy along with numerous operational accomplishments, all while keeping the consumer at the center of decisions. He has proven to be a trusted, strategic leader with a reputation for developing talent and delivering results.” Quincey’s comments reflect the high regard in which Braun is held within the company, underscoring his ability to balance operational efficiency with a focus on customer satisfaction and growth.
Before assuming his current role, Braun served as President of Coca-Cola’s Latin America operating unit from 2020 to 2022 and led the company’s Brazil business unit from 2016 to 2020. From 2013 to 2016, he held the position of President of the Greater China & Korea business unit, further expanding his experience across key global markets. His vast career trajectory highlights his deep understanding of the company’s operations and his ability to successfully manage diverse business units.
At 56 years old, Braun has been with The Coca-Cola Company since 1996, starting his career in Atlanta. Over the years, he has taken on a variety of roles with increasing responsibilities across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. His expertise spans several critical areas, including supply chain management, new business development, marketing, innovation, general management, and bottling operations. His experience in both regional and corporate functions has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the global beverage industry, making him well-suited to lead the company’s operational strategy moving forward.
Reflecting on his new role, Braun expressed his excitement and commitment to The Coca-Cola Company’s continued growth. “I am energized and honored to take on this broader role and look forward to partnering with James, our executive leadership team, bottling partners, and associates to deliver on our total beverage strategy and drive growth across the company and our system worldwide,” he said. Braun’s statement emphasizes his focus on collaboration and his enthusiasm for leading the company into its next phase of growth.
As part of his new responsibilities, several key leaders from across the company’s global regions will report directly to Braun. These leaders include:
- Selman Careaga, President of the ASEAN & South Pacific operating unit
- Nikos Koumettis, President of the Europe operating unit
- Gilles Leclerc, President of the Greater China and Mongolia operating unit
- Jennifer Mann, EVP and President of the North America operating unit
- Luisa Ortega, President of the Africa operating unit
- Murat Ozgel, President of the Japan & South Korea operating unit
- Bruno Pietracci, President of the Latin America operating unit
- Sanket Ray, President of the India & Southwest Asia operating unit
- Sedef Salingan Sahin, President of the Eurasia and Middle East operating unit
These leaders will play a critical role in supporting Braun’s efforts to implement Coca-Cola’s global strategies and drive operational excellence across the company’s diverse markets.
Braun holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering from the University Federal of Rio de Janeiro, a Master of Science degree from Michigan State University, and an MBA from Georgia State University. His educational background, combined with his extensive leadership experience, positions him as a dynamic force in leading The Coca-Cola Company’s global operations.
With this announcement, The Coca-Cola Company underscores its commitment to strengthening its leadership team and advancing its mission of driving sustainable growth across all regions. As COO, Henrique Braun’s leadership will be integral to the company’s continued success and ability to adapt to the evolving global marketplace.
