CocaCola Announces Leadership Transition, Outlines 2026 Guidance

Outgoing CEO James Quincey to become Executive Chairman as Henrique Braun takes over as CEO

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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CocaCola (NYSE:KO) executives used the company's fourth-quarter 2025 earnings call to recap full-year performance, outline 2026 guidance, and discuss a leadership transition that will move Chief Executive Officer James Quincey into an executive chairman role while Henrique Braun becomes CEO. The company reported strong volume momentum in Q4 and margin expansion for the full year, and provided 2026 guidance for 4-5% organic revenue growth and 5-6% comparable currency-neutral EPS growth.

Why it matters

CocaCola's leadership transition and strategic progress over the past several years demonstrate the company's ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and market dynamics. The 2026 guidance signals continued momentum, despite headwinds from divestitures, and highlights CocaCola's focus on reinvesting in the business, growing the dividend, and pursuing a balanced approach to volume and pricing.

The details

Quincey reviewed progress against four strategic priorities introduced in 2017: accelerating a consumer-centric brand portfolio, strengthening the system, digitizing the enterprise, and unlocking the power of people. He said the company added 12 billion-dollar brands over the period and 'reinvigorated' growth in legacy sparkling brands. Braun, the incoming CEO, said CocaCola delivered on its initial 2025 top- and bottom-line guidance, with unit case volume flat for the year but improving sequentially in Q4. Efficiency and effectiveness initiatives drove strong comparable operating margin expansion in 2025.

  • CocaCola executives held the company's fourth-quarter 2025 earnings call on February 11, 2026.
  • James Quincey will transition from CEO to Executive Chairman, with Henrique Braun becoming the new CEO.

The players

James Quincey

Outgoing Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company, who will transition to the role of Executive Chairman.

Henrique Braun

Incoming Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company, replacing James Quincey.

John Murphy

Chief Financial Officer of The Coca-Cola Company.

The Coca-Cola Company

A global beverage manufacturer, marketer and distributor best known for its flagship Coca-Cola soda.

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What they’re saying

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The takeaway

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