How PepsiCo North America's New CEO Will Accelerate ESG

PepsiCo is known for its ESG commitment, resilience business and driving positive impacts across its value chain.

The company is announcing multiple organisational changes in hopes to advance its growth strategy and support its commitment of being a “globally admired company”.

Over the past year, PepsiCo has unified its North American business while continuing to accelerate its investments in technology, AI and sustainable and efficient manufacturing and distribution.

A change of CEO

Steven Williams, current CEO of PepsiCo North America, has been appointed Executive Vice President and Vice Chairman, Global Chief Commercial Officer and Corporate Affairs.

Steven’s future title and position is set to be effective from 28 December 2025.

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 will become CEO, PepsiCo North America effective 28 December 2025.

Ram’s CEO integration plan

Ram is set to take on an “aggressive agenda”, accelerating the integration of Foods and Beverages operations in order to meet both consumer and customer needs.

Ram has a strong record of success at PepsiCo, building momentum in US Beverages through portfolio innovation and go-to-market transformation. 

His experience across categories, geographies and functions could help him work with an end-to-end, consumer-first mindset.

Ram’s organisation are set to include:

• Rachel Ferdinando, who will remain CEO of PepsiCo’s US Foods Category
• Mike Del Pozzo, who will be promoted to President of PepsiCo’s US Beverages Category and join the PepsiCo Executive Committee
• Gregg Roden, who will continue to lead the North America Supply Chain team
• Bryan Santee, who will lead the US Commercial and Go-To-Market teams as Chief Commercial Officer, US.

“Leadership is not about title or positions; it's about the impact you leave behind,” Ram writes in LinkedIn.

“Over my career, I’ve been fortunate to learn from incredible mentors and colleagues who shaped how I think about leadership.”

Additional teams reporting to Ram 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.

PepsiCo in Latin America

Coming into play on 28 December is Athina Kanioura’s change of position.

Athina is set to be CEO of Latin America Foods, in addition to her current role of Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer.

“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.

“It is an honor 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 advisor.”

Paula Santilli is due to retire from the position of CEO of Latin American Foods after her 35 year career at PepsiCo.

Under Paula’s leadership, the Latin America team was able to achieve mass growth and the enablement of talent development and inclusion. 

Although retiring, Paula will continue to remain with PepsiCo until July, supporting Athina’s transition.

Athina has played a key role in shaping PepsiCo's strategy and leading our global capabilities transformation and brings extensive experience in transformation and technology. 

Under her leadership, Latin America Foods can continue to innovate with digital-first solutions, leverage AI and pilot new culinary initiatives that excite consumers.