Keurig Dr Pepper, a major player in the North American beverage sector, recently unveiled significant changes in its executive leadership, signaling its commitment to a robust growth strategy. The company has appointed several seasoned professionals into key roles as it strives to fulfill its vision of offering diverse beverages for various needs, at any time and place.
In a statement, CEO Tim Cofer highlighted the importance of these new appointments, stating, "KDP is evolving our leadership structure to drive the next phase of our growth." This restructuring is particularly crucial, as it is designed to ensure that the company can successfully navigate an ever-competitive market landscape.
New Leadership Appointments
The following notable appointments have been made, effective immediately:
1.
Eric Gorli has been named President of U.S. Refreshment Beverages, taking charge of KDP's $9 billion liquid refreshment business, which encompasses carbonated soft drinks, still beverages, and energy portfolios throughout the U.S. With close to 30 years of experience in the beverage industry and significant tenure at The Coca-Cola Company, Gorli has been instrumental in several commercialization efforts at KDP since joining in 2015.
2.
Sean Cronican steps into the role of Chief Customer Officer. With nearly three decades of sales experience, he will lead KDP's customer-facing teams across all partnerships in the U.S., including grocery and e-commerce. Since joining KDP in 2016, Cronican has built vital customer relationships and has held various roles in sales.
3.
Drew Panayiotou, now the Chief Marketing Officer, will oversee marketing efforts for both U.S. Refreshment Beverages and U.S. Coffee, following his transition to KDP in November. His focus will be on enhancing the company's digital marketing strategy, leveraging his vast experience in sales and general management to accelerate growth.
These three new leaders are joining an already established Executive Leadership Team (ELT), which includes other key figures such as Mary Beth DeNooyer, Chief Human Resources Officer, and Sudhanshu Priyadarshi, Chief Financial Officer. Notably, their roles remain unchanged, ensuring continuity in other vital aspects of KDP’s operations.
Focusing on Energy Category Growth
The company is also keen on expanding its energy beverage category. Following years of investment in brand and infrastructure, KDP has managed to significantly grow its market share, now boasting over $1 billion in retail sales for its energy portfolio. To oversee this burgeoning segment, KDP has created a new role for
Justin Whitmore, who will be the President of KDP Energy, reporting directly to Eric Gorli.
Andrew Archambault, the current President of U.S. Refreshment Beverages, will be departing KDP on January 31 for another opportunity. His leadership over the past seven years has been pivotal in building KDP's commercial strategy, especially during the years following the merger.
About Keurig Dr Pepper
Keurig Dr Pepper stands as a significant entity in the beverage industry, holding a diverse range of over 125 brands in its portfolio. Expected to generate approximately $15 billion in revenue, KDP enjoys leadership positions in various segments, like soft drinks, coffee, tea, and mixers. The company values its dual focus: providing outstanding beverage experiences while also contributing positively to society and the environment. The workforce, comprising around 28,000 employees, is dedicated to fulfilling KDP's mission of "Drink Well. Do Good."
For further details about KDP and its comprehensive offerings, visit
www.keurigdrpepper.com and connect on LinkedIn for updates.