PepsiCo Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

PepsiCo has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, finance, technology, and operations.

Driven by a commitment to innovation and consumer satisfaction, PepsiCo operates as a global leader in the food and beverage industry, consistently delivering value through its diverse portfolio and extensive market reach.

Leadership Roles at PepsiCo

  • Vice President, Chief of Staff, Office of the Chief Executive Officer - Mariela Suarez
  • Chief Financial Officer, Beverages Region (West) - Jennifer Gersch
  • Chief of Staff - Renu Chowdary
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer - Karim ElFiqi
  • Strategy Transformation, Digital Product & Services Chief of Staff - Megan Kisby
  • Chief Technology Officer & Senior Manager - Preston Lambeth
  • People Functions & Hrbp Chief of Staff - María Viveros
  • Pfna Research Development Chief of Staff & Director, Operational Excellence - Amy Penner
  • Chief Marketing Officer, Foods (India) - Saakshi Menon
  • Chief of Staff To Senior Vice President, PBNA Plant Operations - Lauren Pearson
  • Mariela Suarez - Vice President, Chief of Staff, Office of the Chief Executive Officer

    Mariela Suarez, the Vice President, Chief of Staff, Office of the Chief Executive Officer at PepsiCo, provides strategic support and operational coordination directly to the CEO. Suarez facilitates the execution of the CEO's vision, ensuring alignment across all business units and functional areas. This critical role involves managing key strategic projects, preparing executive communications, and optimizing the flow of information to and from the CEO's office. Mariela Suarez acts as a key liaison, bridging executive leadership with operational teams to drive strategic initiatives forward. The executive's responsibilities encompass enhancing organizational effectiveness and ensuring that strategic priorities are addressed with urgency and precision. By supporting the CEO's agenda, Suarez plays an integral part in shaping PepsiCo's direction and driving its global business objectives.

    Jennifer Gersch - Chief Financial Officer, Beverages Region (West)

    Jennifer Gersch, the Chief Financial Officer, Beverages Region (West) at PepsiCo, directs financial operations and strategic fiscal planning for the western beverage division. Gersch is responsible for managing financial performance, optimizing profitability, and ensuring robust financial controls across the region. This executive role involves close collaboration with regional leadership to drive revenue growth and operational efficiency within the beverage sector. Jennifer Gersch oversees budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis, providing critical insights to support business decisions and investment strategies. The position requires a comprehensive understanding of the beverage market dynamics in the western United States and its impact on PepsiCo's overall financial health. By ensuring sound financial management and strategic resource allocation, Gersch plays a vital part in maintaining the company's competitive edge and delivering shareholder value within this key operational segment.

    Renu Chowdary - Chief of Staff

    Renu Chowdary, the Chief of Staff at PepsiCo, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across various departments. This leadership position involves coordinating cross-functional projects to ensure seamless execution of corporate objectives. Chowdary facilitates communication between executive leadership and operational teams, driving efficiency and fostering a cohesive work environment. The role demands a deep understanding of PepsiCo's global operations and market dynamics, enabling effective problem-solving and decision-making. By optimizing internal processes and supporting key strategic priorities, Renu Chowdary contributes significantly to the company's sustained growth and market leadership in the food and beverage sector. This executive ensures that strategic plans translate into actionable steps, supporting the overall mission of delivering enjoyable and convenient products to consumers worldwide.

    Karim ElFiqi - Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer

    Karim ElFiqi, the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at PepsiCo, architects and executes comprehensive marketing strategies that elevate brand visibility and consumer engagement. ElFiqi oversees the development and implementation of innovative campaigns across PepsiCo's diverse product portfolio, including its iconic carbonated soft drinks and extensive food offerings. This role is critical in driving market share and reinforcing PepsiCo's position as a leading global brand. Karim ElFiqi directs market research and consumer insights to inform product development and promotional activities, ensuring alignment with evolving consumer preferences and market trends. The scope of this position encompasses managing significant marketing budgets and leading large teams across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America, underscoring the global scale of operations. Through strategic brand positioning and impactful advertising, ElFiqi ensures PepsiCo's continued success and resonance with consumers worldwide.
    Karim ElFiqi

    Megan Kisby - Strategy Transformation, Digital Product & Services Chief of Staff

    Megan Kisby, the Strategy Transformation, Digital Product & Services Chief of Staff at PepsiCo, spearheads initiatives focused on digital product innovation and service enhancement. Kisby drives the strategic transformation agenda, ensuring that digital products and services align with PepsiCo's overarching business goals and market demands. This role involves coordinating efforts across technology, product development, and business units to foster a culture of digital advancement. Megan Kisby facilitates the integration of new digital solutions and services, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency throughout the company's global operations. The executive's focus on digital transformation is crucial for maintaining PepsiCo's competitive advantage in an increasingly digital marketplace. By guiding strategic projects and ensuring effective implementation, Kisby contributes to PepsiCo's evolution as a forward-thinking, digitally enabled food and beverage leader.

    Preston Lambeth - Chief Technology Officer & Senior Manager

    Preston Lambeth, the Chief Technology Officer & Senior Manager at PepsiCo, directs the company's technological vision and infrastructure development. Lambeth oversees the implementation of advanced technology solutions that support PepsiCo's global operations, from manufacturing and supply chain to marketing and distribution. This executive role is pivotal in driving innovation and ensuring the scalability and security of the company's digital systems. Preston Lambeth leads the technology teams in developing and deploying cutting-edge solutions that enhance operational efficiency and consumer engagement across all markets. The CTO's responsibilities include managing IT budgets, fostering technological partnerships, and staying ahead of emerging tech trends to maintain PepsiCo's competitive edge. By championing technological advancements, Lambeth ensures PepsiCo remains at the forefront of industry innovation, supporting its mission to deliver quality products worldwide.

    María Viveros - People Functions & Hrbp Chief of Staff

    María Viveros, the People Functions & Hrbp Chief of Staff at PepsiCo, optimizes human resources functions and business partner strategies to support the company's workforce. Viveros drives initiatives that enhance employee experience, talent development, and organizational effectiveness across PepsiCo's global operations. This leadership role involves aligning HR strategies with business objectives, ensuring that people functions effectively support the company's growth and operational demands. María Viveros collaborates closely with HR leadership and business units to implement programs that foster a positive and productive work environment. The executive's focus on people functions is critical for attracting, retaining, and developing the talent necessary for PepsiCo's continued success. By ensuring robust HR support and strategic people management, Viveros contributes to a strong organizational culture and operational excellence.

    Amy Penner - Pfna Research Development Chief of Staff & Director, Operational Excellence

    Amy Penner, the Pfna Research Development Chief of Staff & Director, Operational Excellence at PepsiCo, drives innovation and efficiency within the company's food research and development initiatives. Penner oversees projects aimed at enhancing product quality, developing new food offerings, and optimizing manufacturing processes across the North American food division. This dual role focuses on translating research findings into commercially viable products while simultaneously implementing best practices for operational excellence. Amy Penner ensures that R&D efforts are aligned with market trends and consumer preferences, contributing to PepsiCo's strong portfolio of food products. By championing operational improvements and fostering a culture of continuous enhancement, Penner plays a key part in maintaining PepsiCo's leadership in the food industry and delivering high-quality products to consumers.

    Saakshi Menon - Chief Marketing Officer, Foods (India)

    Saakshi Menon, the Chief Marketing Officer, Foods (India) at PepsiCo, directs marketing strategies tailored for the Indian food market. Menon is responsible for enhancing brand presence and driving sales growth for PepsiCo's food products within India, a key strategic region for the company. This role involves understanding local consumer preferences and market dynamics to develop effective marketing campaigns and product positioning. Saakshi Menon oversees the execution of integrated marketing plans, including digital, traditional advertising, and promotional activities, to strengthen PepsiCo's brand equity in India. The executive's focus on the Indian market is crucial for capitalizing on growth opportunities and solidifying PepsiCo's leadership in this diverse and dynamic region. Through strategic marketing leadership, Menon ensures PepsiCo's food offerings resonate with Indian consumers.

    Lauren Pearson - Chief of Staff To Senior Vice President, PBNA Plant Operations

    Lauren Pearson, the Chief of Staff To Senior Vice President, PBNA Plant Operations at PepsiCo, enhances operational efficiency and strategic execution within the North American beverage plant operations. Pearson supports the Senior Vice President in overseeing a network of manufacturing facilities, ensuring adherence to quality standards and production targets. This role involves coordinating cross-functional initiatives, streamlining processes, and driving continuous improvement across plant operations. Lauren Pearson facilitates communication and collaboration between plant leadership, supply chain, and other key departments to optimize performance. The executive's focus on plant operations is vital for maintaining PepsiCo's supply chain integrity and product availability across North America. By driving operational excellence, Pearson contributes to the reliable delivery of PepsiCo's beverage products to consumers.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding PepsiCo Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads PepsiCo?
    PepsiCo is led by Mariela Suarez (Vice President, Chief of Staff, Office of the Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jennifer Gersch (Chief Financial Officer, Beverages Region (West)) and Renu Chowdary (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of PepsiCo’s executive team?
    The executive team of PepsiCo includes leaders such as Mariela Suarez (Vice President, Chief of Staff, Office of the Chief Executive Officer), Jennifer Gersch (Chief Financial Officer, Beverages Region (West)), Renu Chowdary (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does PepsiCo have?
    PepsiCo has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in PepsiCo’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of PepsiCo includes roles such as Vice President, Chief of Staff, Office of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Beverages Region (West), Chief of Staff, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Strategy Transformation, Digital Product & Services Chief of Staff.