Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) has made a series of executive changes, including installing a new position to head up its energy-drinks business.
Justin Whitmore, formerly chief strategy officer at KDP, has been appointed president of KDP Energy and will manage all aspects of the group’s energy portfolio, including operations, sales and marketing.
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The move is part of KDP’s plan “to realise the substantial growth ahead” for energy. KDP’s energy drinks portfolio generates over $1bn in retail sales, the company said in a statement.
The Sunkist fruit soda maker has been actively looking to boost its presence in the energy-drinks market for some time.
In October, KDP revealed plans to acquire the energy drinks and lifestyle sports nutrition business Ghost for more than $1bn.
In December 2022, the company invested US$863m for a 30% stake in US energy-drink and recovery-beverage maker Nutrabolt. The “strategic partnership” included a long-term sales and distribution agreement for Nutrabolt’s energy drink brand C4.
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By GlobalDataWhitmore will report to Eric Gorli, who has been picked to lead KDP’s US Refreshment Beverages division, which covers the group’s carbonated soft drinks, still beverages and energy portfolio in the US.
Gorli has spent over two decades with The Coca-Cola Co. in positions across its bottling operations and North America division.
The drinks industry veteran joined KDP in 2015. Most recently, he held the role of chief commercial officer.
Andrew Archambault, the president of US Refreshment Beverages, will step down from at the end of January to take on “an opportunity outside the company”, KDP said. He is joining Hershey.
“KDP is evolving our leadership structure to drive the next phase of our growth,” CEO Tim Cofer said.
“We have been intentional about building a deep bench of talent, and we are fortunate to have leaders who are seasoned, forward-thinking and ready to step into these critical roles.”
Other additions to the company include Sean Cronican, who will take on the position of chief customer officer and Drew Panayiotou who is stepping into a chief marketing officer role.
