Ramon L. Laguarta

Ramon L. Laguarta is a Spanish-American business executive who currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PepsiCo, one of the world's leading food and beverage companies. Born on October 13, 1963, in Barcelona, Spain, Laguarta has had a successful career in the consumer goods industry, with extensive experience in management and leadership roles.

Laguarta joined PepsiCo in 1996 and has held various key positions within the company. He initially served as the President of the Eastern Europe region for PepsiCo Europe and later became the President for PepsiCo's businesses in Spain and Portugal. His exceptional leadership skills and strategic vision led to his appointment as the CEO of PepsiCo Europe in 2006.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions and strong track record, Laguarta was appointed President of PepsiCo in 2017. During his tenure as President, he played a crucial role in shaping the company's global strategy, overseeing its operations across multiple regions and business divisions. He demonstrated a deep understanding of consumer trends and market dynamics, guiding PepsiCo's efforts to deliver innovative products and drive sustainable growth.

In October 2018, Laguarta succeeded Indra Nooyi as the CEO of PepsiCo, assuming the responsibility of leading the company's global operations and driving its long-term success. As CEO, he has focused on expanding PepsiCo's product portfolio, investing in research and development, and exploring new avenues for growth. Laguarta has been instrumental in advancing the company's commitment to sustainability, emphasizing environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

Under Laguarta's leadership, PepsiCo has continued to strengthen its position as a global leader in the food and beverage industry. The company's diverse range of popular brands, including Pepsi, Lay's, Gatorade, Tropicana, and Quaker, has maintained a strong presence in markets worldwide. Laguarta's strategic vision, coupled with his ability to adapt to evolving consumer preferences, has helped PepsiCo navigate through a rapidly changing business landscape.

Beyond his role at PepsiCo, Laguarta is known for his advocacy of diversity and inclusion in the corporate world. He has been a vocal proponent of fostering a culture that embraces different perspectives and backgrounds, driving innovation and enhancing business performance.

Laguarta's accomplishments and leadership have earned him recognition in the business community. He has been named to Fortune's list of "World's 50 Greatest Leaders" and has been honoured for his contributions to the Hispanic community, receiving the Hispanic Heritage Foundation's Corporate Leadership Award.

With his extensive experience, strategic acumen, and commitment to driving sustainable growth, Ramon L. Laguarta continues to shape the future of PepsiCo and make a significant impact on the global food and beverage industry.

Ramon Laguarta is a Spanish business executive who has made significant contributions to the food and beverage industry. Born and raised in Spain, Laguarta pursued his education at ESADE Business School in Barcelona, where he obtained bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration in 1985. He furthered his education at the Thunderbird School of Global Management, earning a master's degree in international management in 1986.

Laguarta's career began at Chupa Chups, a well-known Spanish candy company famous for its lollipops. In January 1996, he joined PepsiCo, a global leader in the food and beverage industry, marking the start of his long and successful tenure with the company. Initially, Laguarta held positions within PepsiCo's European business, gradually taking on more responsibilities and demonstrating his leadership capabilities.

In 2014, Laguarta became the CEO of PepsiCo Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa (ESSA), overseeing the company's operations and growth in these regions. During his time in Europe, he played a key role in the acquisition of Wimm-Bill-Dann, a prominent Russian dairy and juice company, in 2010. This deal, valued at $5.4 billion, was one of PepsiCo's largest acquisitions and further strengthened the company's presence in the European market.

Recognizing his exceptional leadership skills and strategic thinking, Laguarta was appointed as the President of PepsiCo in September 2017. In this role, he was responsible for various important functions, including PepsiCo's Global Category Groups, Global Operations, Corporate Strategy, and Public Policy & Government Affairs.

Laguarta's career reached new heights on August 6, 2018, when he was unanimously voted in as the next CEO of PepsiCo. This appointment came as Indra Nooyi, the former CEO, announced her departure from the position. Laguarta officially assumed the role of CEO on October 3, 2018, and became the Chairman of the Board of Directors on February 1, 2019.

As the CEO of PepsiCo, Laguarta has focused on three key priorities: accelerating the company's organic revenue growth, strengthening its overall performance, and making it a better company. He has placed a significant emphasis on sustainability, aiming to build a more sustainable food system. Under his leadership, PepsiCo has set ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, make packaging recyclable or compostable, and incorporate recycled plastic content in its packaging.

Laguarta has actively contributed to various organizations and initiatives in addition to his role at PepsiCo. He serves as a director of Visa Inc. and is the Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum's Board of Stewards for the Food Systems Initiative. These positions reflect his commitment to driving positive change and shaping the future of the food and beverage industry.

Ramon Laguarta's journey from his early career at Chupa Chups to his current role as CEO of PepsiCo exemplifies his passion, dedication, and strategic vision. Through his leadership and focus on sustainability, he continues to lead PepsiCo towards a more successful and responsible future.

Ramon Laguarta, the CEO of PepsiCo, has demonstrated a clear and compelling vision for the company's future. His vision encompasses both growth and sustainability, recognizing the importance of balancing business success with responsible practices. Laguarta envisions PepsiCo as a global leader in the food and beverage industry, driving innovation, delivering superior products, and making a positive impact on society and the environment.

One key aspect of Laguarta's vision is to accelerate PepsiCo's rate of organic revenue growth. He aims to achieve this by capitalizing on emerging consumer trends, leveraging the company's strong brand portfolio, and expanding into new markets. Laguarta recognizes the importance of understanding and meeting the evolving preferences and needs of consumers, which requires constant innovation and adaptation. By staying ahead of market trends and continually introducing exciting new products, PepsiCo can remain competitive and drive sustained growth.

In addition to growth, Laguarta's vision emphasizes making PepsiCo a stronger company. This involves optimizing operational efficiency, enhancing supply chain capabilities, and fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration. By streamlining processes and improving operational effectiveness, PepsiCo can maximize its profitability and deliver long-term value to its shareholders. Laguarta believes in fostering a culture of empowerment, diversity, and inclusivity, recognizing that a strong and diverse workforce drives creativity and innovation.

Crucially, Laguarta's vision extends beyond financial performance. He aims to make PepsiCo a better company by prioritizing sustainability and social responsibility. Under his leadership, PepsiCo is committed to building a more sustainable food system. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimizing water usage, promoting responsible sourcing of agricultural ingredients, and ensuring the recyclability and reduction of plastic packaging. Laguarta recognizes that the future success of PepsiCo is intrinsically linked to its ability to operate in an environmentally conscious and socially responsible manner.

To achieve these sustainability goals, Laguarta has emphasized collaboration and partnerships. PepsiCo actively engages with stakeholders, including farmers, suppliers, customers, and non-governmental organizations, to drive collective action and make a positive impact on critical issues such as climate change, water conservation, and waste reduction. By leading the way in sustainable practices, Laguarta envisions PepsiCo as a role model for the industry and a catalyst for positive change in the broader food and beverage sector.