PepsiCo has announced two senior leadership appointments in a bid to “drive accelerated growth.”
The company is set to welcome Jane Wakely, who joins as its new executive vice president, chief consumer and marketing officer and chief growth officer.
It has also appointed Ram Krishnan as chief executive of international beverages and chief commercial officer.
They will report to PepsiCo chairman and chief executive Ramon Laguarta.
Wakely is set to elevate the business’s “consumer-centricity, innovation, brand and marketing capabilities” as chief consumer and marketing officer.
She will also be responsible for developing the company’s pep+ Positive Choices Pillar as chief consumer and marketing officer.
Her role is set to include the expansion of the company’s portfolio into spaces which are better for the environment.
READ MORE: Crisps listed for £7 on eBay as Walkers runs out
As a result, she will introduce more diverse ingredients such as plant-based proteins, nuts, seeds and wholegrains.
She brings 28 years of marketing experience to the position, with previous leadership positions at Procter and Gamble and Mars.
“[Jane] has a proven track record of success, and I am confident that with her leadership, we will take our … growth to a new level,” Laguarta said.
Wakely added: “I look forward to working with my future colleagues … [and] with purpose-driven brands.”
Krishnan is set to oversee the company’s international beverages growth, with a focus on end-to-end brand-building, innovation, technology enhancement, appointments and sustainability.
His responsibilities will include leading accelerated expansion for the producer’s Beyond the Bottle and SodaStream brands, alongside the Pepsi Lipton Unilever partnership.
The move is scheduled to bring the manufacturer’s critical beverage expertise and commercial capabilities into one section and optimise as well as streamline its portfolio expansion starting from January 1, 2022.
Krishnan has worked for PepsiCo for 15 years and joins the new position from his current role as chief commercial officer.
“Ram has been an incredibly effective leader for our commercial agenda,” Laguarta continued.
“With this newly created role, he will bring focus and a proven formula for success to drive faster growth for our International Beverages business.”
Click here to sign up to Grocery Gazette’s free daily email newsletter
