PepsiCo appoints Steven Williams as global Chief Commercial Officer 

USA – PepsiCo has announced the appointment of Steven Williams as Executive Vice President and Vice Chairman, Global Chief Commercial Officer and Corporate Affairs, effective December 28, 2025, as part of a broader leadership realignment. 

Williams previously served as chief executive officer of PepsiCo North America. In his expanded global role, he will be responsible for building a unified selling organisation, developing a global strategy to accelerate growth in the away-from-home channel, and strengthening engagement with stakeholders across the United States and international markets. 

His transition creates a leadership opening at PepsiCo North America, with Ram Krishnan named chief executive officer of the division, effective the same date. The company said Krishnan will continue to drive an end-to-end, consumer-first operating model across categories and channels. 

Under Krishnan’s leadership, Rachel Ferdinando will remain chief executive officer of the US Foods category. Mike Del Pozzo will be promoted to president of the US Beverages category and will join the PepsiCo Executive Committee, while Gregg Roden will continue to lead the North America Supply Chain organisation. 

Additional functions reporting to Krishnan will include Foods and Beverages Field Sales, Strategic Partnerships and Franchise, PepsiCo Canada, Global Foodservice, and the Texoma region. PepsiCo is currently using the Texoma market to pilot a combined Foods and Beverages operating structure. 

The company also announced leadership changes within its Latin America Foods business. Athina Kanioura has been appointed chief executive officer of Latin America Foods, in addition to her current role as chief strategy and transformation officer, effective December 28, 2025. 

Kanioura will succeed Paula Santilli, who will retire after a 35-year career with PepsiCo. Santilli will remain with the company through July to support a smooth leadership transition. 

During her tenure, Santilli oversaw sustained growth in the Latin America Foods segment while advancing talent development and inclusion initiatives across the region. 

PepsiCo said Kanioura brings extensive experience in enterprise transformation, technology, and artificial intelligence, and is expected to continue driving digital-led innovation and culinary development in Latin America. 

The leadership changes come as PepsiCo works to sharpen execution and enhance organisational focus amid shifting consumer demand and cost pressures. 

Recently, the company announced a comprehensive review of its North America supply chain following discussions with activist investor Elliott Investment Management. 

PepsiCo has outlined plans to reduce nearly 20 percent of its US product lines and shut several manufacturing lines to lower costs and simplify operations. 

Earlier this year, the company also expanded distribution of lower-priced value brands, including Chester’s and Santitas, to address pricing concerns. 

PepsiCo said the organisational updates are designed to support long-term growth and value creation across its global portfolio. 

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