Coca-Cola names Henrique Braun COO, divests Indian bottling operations to franchisee
USA – The Coca-Cola Company has announced Henrique Braun as its new executive vice president and chief operating officer, effective 1 January 2025.
In his expanded role, Braun will oversee all of Coca-Cola’s operating units globally, including North America and Europe. He will report directly to James Quincey, chairman and CEO of the company.
Braun currently serves as executive vice president and president for international development, where he manages Coca-Cola’s operations across Latin America; Japan and South Korea; ASEAN and South Pacific; Greater China and Mongolia; Africa; India and Southwest Asia; and Eurasia and the Middle East.
Braun joined Coca-Cola in 1996 in Atlanta and has held a series of leadership positions spanning North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America
His roles have included responsibilities in supply chain, marketing, innovation, business development, and bottling operations.
He previously served as president of the Latin America operating unit from 2020 to 2022, president of the Brazil business unit from 2016 to 2020, and president of the Greater China and Korea business unit from 2013 to 2016.
“Henrique has built an impressive track record of driving our growth strategy along with numerous operational accomplishments, all while keeping the consumer as the center of decisions,” said Quincey.
“He has proven to be a trusted, strategic leader with a reputation for developing talent and delivering results.”
HCCB divests bottling operations
Meanwhile, Coca-Cola’s subsidiary in India, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), has divested its bottling operations in Jharkhand to Moon Beverages Pvt Ltd, one of its largest franchisee bottling partners.
This move aligns with Coca-Cola’s global strategy to adopt asset-light operations.
Moon Beverages, part of the MMG Group led by Sanjeev Agrawal, currently manages Coca-Cola’s bottling operations in Delhi, parts of Uttar Pradesh, the Northeast, and select regions in West Bengal.
MMG Group also owns the McDonald’s franchise in North and East India.
“This business transfer ensures the right level of investments can be undertaken in all parts of the business, while bringing both scale and contiguity,” said Juan Pablo Rodriguez, chief executive of HCCB India.
Earlier this year, HCCB divested company-owned bottling operations in select territories in North, East, and Northeast India to three existing franchise bottlers.
Coca-Cola has also entered into an agreement with Jubilant Bhartia Group to sell a 40% stake in HCCB.
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