Key leadership appointments forecast PepsiCo’s growth

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Key leadership appointments forecast PepsiCo’s growth

17 Dec 2025

Lily Cota

Lily Cota is a writer, editor and photographer from Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in English and a minor in Photography. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading fantasy novels, thrifting, trying out local coffee shops and spending time with her nieces.

PURCHASE, NY — PepsiCo announced a slew of organizational shifts set to advance growth and support the company’s commitment to its customers, shareholders, employees and consumers.

“Over the past year, we have unified our North America businesses, continued investments in advanced technology and AI, strengthened our brands, modernized our manufacturing, and enhanced our warehouse and distribution capabilities,” the company said via press release. “These efforts have made us into a more agile and future-ready organization. Today, we’re announcing a series of organizational changes that mark our next step.”

Steven Williams, CEO of PepsiCo North America, will be stepping into the role of EVP and vice chair, global chief commercial officer, and corporate affairs. The appointment, effective Dec. 28, will position him to build a unified PepsiCo selling organization and develop a global growth strategy.

Ram Krishnan will assume Williams’ current role as CEO of PepsiCo North America, taking on an agenda designed to accelerate the integration of Foods and Beverages operations. With strong tenure at the company, most recently building momentum in its US beverages division, Krishnan will approach his new workload with an end-to-end, consumer-first mindset.

Athina Kanioura, chief strategy and transformation officer, has been appointed CEO of Latin America Foods for PepsiCo. Kanioura, who will tack on the role with her current title, succeeds Paula Santilli, who is retiring after a 35-year career with the company. In this role, Kanioura will lead the division to innovate with digital-first solutions, leverage AI and pilot culinary initiatives.

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