ATLANTA- In an era where corporate leadership often shifts at lightning speed, Henrique Braun’s journey through the ranks of The Coca-Cola Company stands out as a rare story of loyalty, growth, and global influence. His recent appointment as Chief Operating Officer (COO) — and his upcoming elevation to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective March 31, 2026 — marks a milestone in Coca-Cola’s storied history and highlights a career that has come full circle.
A Journey Rooted in Resilience and Reinvention
Braun’s association with Coca-Cola began nearly three decades ago, in 1996, when he joined as a trainee in Global Engineering. What started as an entry-level role has evolved into a 30-year odyssey that spans continents, cultures, and every dimension of the beverage industry. His story is one of consistent performance, an openness to learning, and a deep belief in Coca-Cola’s mission to refresh the world and make a difference.
From the outset, Braun demonstrated a rare mix of technical acumen and leadership potential. His early assignments across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia helped him develop a broad understanding of Coca-Cola’s global operations. His roles included responsibilities in supply chain management, business development, marketing, innovation, and bottling operations, giving him an end-to-end perspective of the company’s ecosystem.
Leadership Across Continents
As Braun’s career progressed, his leadership impact became more pronounced. Between 2013 and 2016, he served as President for Greater China and South Korea, navigating the company through complex market dynamics and rapidly changing consumer behaviors. He then transitioned to lead Coca-Cola Brazil from 2016 to 2020, where his efforts in innovation and portfolio expansion were instrumental in driving brand growth and operational excellence.
In 2020, Braun was appointed President of Coca-Cola Latin America, overseeing one of the company’s most strategically significant markets. His leadership in the region came during a transformative period marked by digital disruption and evolving consumer trends. Under his guidance, Coca-Cola strengthened its digital platforms, enhanced customer engagement, and diversified its beverage portfolio to align with local preferences.
From 2022 to 2024, as President of International Development, Braun’s global reach expanded even further. He oversaw operations across seven of the company’s nine global business units, reinforcing Coca-Cola’s footprint in both emerging and mature economies. His focus on sustainable growth and operational agility helped the company adapt to the evolving global marketplace.
The Road to Chief Operating Officer and CEO
In January 2025, Braun was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, responsible for overseeing all global operating units. This role set the stage for his next major career chapter — becoming the CEO of The Coca-Cola Company in March 2026, following the retirement of James Quincey, who will transition to Executive Chairman after nine transformative years at the helm.
Quincey, who has been with the company since 1996 and became CEO in 2017, has reshaped Coca-Cola into a total beverage company, focusing on agility, digital transformation, and consumer connection. Under his leadership, Coca-Cola added more than 10 billion-dollar brands and successfully navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As Braun prepares to step into the CEO role, he inherits a strong foundation built by Quincey — one rooted in innovation, operational efficiency, and a forward-looking strategy. Braun’s focus will be on leveraging technology, strengthening global partnerships, and driving the next phase of Coca-Cola’s growth across more than 200 countries and territories.
A Legacy of Learning and Leadership
Braun’s rise is a model of what long-term career development within a global corporation can achieve. His leadership philosophy blends technical expertise with a human touch, emphasizing collaboration, adaptability, and continuous learning. His academic credentials — a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University Federal of Rio de Janeiro, a Master of Science from Michigan State University, and an MBA from Georgia State University — complement his extensive real-world experience.
“I’m honored to take on this new role and have tremendous appreciation for everything James has done to lead the company,” Braun said in a statement. “I’ll focus on continuing the momentum we’ve built with our system and unlocking future growth in partnership with our bottlers. The future is bright, and we see huge opportunities in a fast-changing global market.”
A New Chapter for Coca-Cola
The leadership transition underscores Coca-Cola’s deep bench of talent and its commitment to grooming leaders from within. As David Weinberg, Coca-Cola’s lead independent director, noted, “James set and executed a strategy that built Coca-Cola’s status as a global leader. We are confident Henrique Braun will build on the company’s existing strengths to unlock more growth opportunities and increase the power of the incredible Coca-Cola system.”
With nearly 700,000 employees worldwide, Coca-Cola’s success relies on the strength of its people and its culture of innovation. Braun’s appointment symbolizes both — a testament to the company’s belief in nurturing leadership that grows alongside its global brand.
From his beginnings as a trainee to becoming one of the most influential executives in the world, Henrique Braun’s story embodies persistence, adaptability, and visionary leadership. His rise is not just a personal achievement — it’s an inspiring narrative for professionals everywhere, proving that with dedication, curiosity, and an unshakable commitment to excellence, even the world’s largest corporations offer limitless possibilities for growth.
Ankitt Yadu is the Editor at Entrepreneur News Network and TVW News India, where he leads editorial strategy, brand storytelling, and startup ecosystem coverage. With a strong focus on innovation, business, and marketing insights, he curates impactful narratives that spotlight India’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape.