PepsiCo Reveals Major Leadership and Organisational Changes

PepsiCo has announced a series of senior leadership and organisational changes designed to support its ongoing growth strategy.

The moves are intended to build on the unification of its North American business and accelerate investments in technology, artificial intelligence and sustainable manufacturing and distribution.

Steven Williams, the current CEO of PepsiCo North America, has been appointed to the newly created role of Executive Vice President and Vice Chairman Global Chief Commercial Officer and Corporate Affairs effective from 28 December 2025.

In his new position Steven will be tasked with building a unified PepsiCo selling organisation. According to PepsiCo: “Steven will focus on building a unified PepsiCo selling organisation, 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.”

Ram Krishnan to lead North American integration

Succeeding Williams as CEO of PepsiCo North America will be Ram Krishnan who is set to take on the role from 28 December 2025. Ram is expected to accelerate the integration of PepsiCo’s Foods and Beverages operations to better meet consumer and customer demands.

He has a background in portfolio innovation and go-to-market transformation within PepsiCo's US Beverages division. His experience across different categories, geographies and functions could help him to work with an end-to-end consumer-first mindset.

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

A unified commercial and supply chain structure

Under Ram’s new leadership, several key appointments have been made to form his organisation. Rachel Ferdinando will remain CEO of PepsiCo’s US Foods Category and Mike Del Pozzo will be promoted to President of PepsiCo’s US Beverages Category joining the PepsiCo Executive Committee.

Gregg Roden will continue to lead the North America Supply Chain team while Bryan Santee will lead the US Commercial and go-to-market teams as Chief Commercial Officer US.

Additional teams that will report to Ram Krishnan include:

• Foods and Beverages Field Sales
• Strategic Partnerships and Franchise
• The newly integrated Texoma region where PepsiCo is piloting combined Foods and Beverages operations
• Global Foodservice
• PepsiCo Canada

Expanding role to Latin America

Further changes will see Athina Kanioura become the CEO of Latin America Foods effective 28 December 2025 in addition to her current role as Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer.

Athina has been central to shaping PepsiCo's strategy and leading its global capabilities transformation bringing extensive experience in technology. Her leadership could see the Latin America Foods division continue to innovate with digital-first solutions and leverage AI.

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

The appointment follows the retirement of Paula Santilli, the current CEO of Latin American Foods, after a 35-year career at PepsiCo. Under Paula's leadership the region achieved growth and she will remain with PepsiCo until July to support Athina’s transition.

“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. I am grateful to be able to count her as a friend and trusted adviser,” Athina adds.