Brands
Coca-Cola names Henrique Braun as next CEO in 2026
ATLANTA: Coca-Cola has tapped its chief operating officer Henrique Braun to take over as chief executive officer from 31 March 2026. The long serving leader will succeed James Quincey, who moves into the role of executive chairman after nearly a decade steering the drinks giant.
The board also plans to put Braun forward for election as a director at the 2026 annual meeting. The transition is being positioned as smooth, steady and very much by design.
Quincey, 60, leaves behind a sweeping legacy. Since becoming CEO in 2017, he has pushed Coca-Cola to think beyond its trademark fizz and operate as a full scale beverage business. His tenure delivered more than ten new billion dollar brands, a revamped operating model and a faster, more digital Coca-Cola that stayed resilient through the pandemic.
Braun, 57, now picks up that baton. He has risen through the ranks since joining the company in 1996 and brings experience across Latin America, Asia, Europe and North America. He most recently oversaw all global operating units as chief operating officer, following stints leading international development, Latin America, Brazil and Greater China and South Korea.
His academic journey is as global as his career. Braun holds degrees from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Michigan State University and Georgia State University. Born in California and raised in Brazil, he is now an American citizen with a decidedly international outlook.
Speaking about the handover, Quincey called Braun a trusted and seasoned partner who is ready for the job. The board echoed that confidence and praised Quincey for reshaping the company while preparing its next generation of leaders.
Braun sounded energised about what lies ahead. He said he aims to build on existing momentum, get closer to consumers and use technology as a catalyst for growth. He also emphasised working closely with bottling partners to unlock future opportunities in a rapidly changing world.
For Coca-Cola, the leadership shift marks a new chapter rather than a reset. The company remains one of the world’s biggest beverage players with brands in sparkling drinks, water, sports, tea, coffee, juice, dairy and plant based categories. Its 700,000 strong global system continues to push sustainability, innovation and digital transformation.
The changes at the top may be significant, but the message from Atlanta is unmistakably calm. Coca-Cola is planning ahead, keeping the fizz and looking to the future with a familiar face now ready to lead the next lap.
Brands
KKR sixes to power EV charger rollout under VIDA campaign
Cricket meets clean mobility as big hits spark India’s charging growth
NEW DELHI: VIDA, the electric mobility arm of Hero MotoCorp, has teamed up with Kolkata Knight Riders to launch a campaign that turns cricketing flair into real-world impact.
Titled ‘6 for 6’, the initiative promises to install a 6kW fast EV charger for every six hit by KKR during the ongoing Indian Premier League season. The idea is simple but powerful, as each big hit on the field contributes directly to expanding India’s fast-charging infrastructure.
The campaign builds on VIDA’s growing network, which already spans over 5,300 fast-charging points across more than 430 cities. With EV adoption gaining pace, the brand is using cricket’s mass appeal to accelerate both awareness and infrastructure growth.
Explaining the thinking behind the move, Hero MotoCorp emerging mobility business unit chief business officer Kausalya Nandakumar said, “Cricket has an incredible ability to unite and inspire millions across the country. With the ‘6 for 6’ campaign, we are turning every big hit on the field into a step towards a cleaner and a more accessible mobility future.”
She added that VIDA’s expanding fast-charging network and removable battery technology are designed to make EV ownership more convenient and practical for everyday users.
From the franchise’s side, the campaign is also about giving on-field moments a larger purpose. Kolkata Knight Riders chief executive officer Venky Mysore said, “The ‘6 for 6’ campaign exemplifies the potential of sport as a platform for meaningful, real-world impact. By linking every six to the expansion of EV charging infrastructure, this partnership transforms fan excitement into tangible progress.”
As part of the rollout, VIDA has introduced co-branded charging stations in KKR’s signature colours, with a flagship installation unveiled alongside team players. The chargers are designed for quick top-ups, powering VIDA scooters from zero to 80 percent in about an hour, while also being positioned along key highways to support longer journeys.
The initiative also taps into VIDA’s removable battery system, which allows users to charge using standard household plug points, adding flexibility to the charging ecosystem.
By blending the thrill of cricket with the urgency of clean mobility, VIDA and KKR have found a neat way to make every six count twice, once on the scoreboard and again on India’s road to an electric future.
