Coca-Cola Unveils Global Leadership Changes, New Chief Digital Officer | Quick Digest
The Coca-Cola Company announced significant leadership changes, including the creation of a Chief Digital Officer role to accelerate digital transformation. Henrique Braun will become CEO, and India head Sanket Ray's role is expanded to oversee key Asian markets.
Coca-Cola creates new Chief Digital Officer role for digital transformation.
Sedef Salingan Sahin appointed as the inaugural Chief Digital Officer.
Henrique Braun to assume CEO position from March 31, 2026.
Sanket Ray's mandate expanded to include Greater China, Japan, South Korea.
Leadership restructuring aims for enhanced consumer focus and faster technology adoption.
Changes effective March 31, 2026, signifying a global strategic shift.
The Coca-Cola Company has announced a series of significant leadership changes and the creation of a pivotal new enterprise role, effective March 31, 2026, to accelerate its digital transformation and bring the business closer to consumers. The company is establishing the role of Chief Digital Officer (CDO) to unify digital, data, and operational excellence across its global operations. Sedef Salingan Sahin, formerly president of the Eurasia and Middle East operating unit, has been appointed as the first CDO, reporting directly to the incoming CEO, Henrique Braun. Sahin will be responsible for leading Coca-Cola's digital journey, integrating its digital network, and connecting work across various functions.
These organizational shifts coincide with the previously announced succession of Henrique Braun, currently Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, who will become CEO on March 31, 2026, succeeding James Quincey, who will transition to Executive Chairman of the Board. Braun emphasized that these changes are designed to help the organization navigate dynamic global market conditions, move faster, and work smarter.
Furthermore, the company is reorganizing its market groupings to enhance focus on key regions. Notably for the Indian audience, Sanket Ray, who currently serves as President of the India and Southwest Asia operating unit, will see his responsibilities expand significantly. He will now also oversee emerging large markets including Greater China and Mongolia, Japan, and South Korea, while retaining his existing role. This elevation underscores Coca-Cola's strategic focus on high-growth Asian markets and leverages Ray's deep regional experience. Other changes include Manolo Arroyo becoming Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Customer Commercial Officer, with John Murphy continuing as President and CFO, retaining oversight of global strategy and corporate development. The announcements reflect Coca-Cola's concerted effort to embed digital capabilities at the core of its global operations and respond more nimbly to market demands.
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