Keurig Dr Pepper has promoted three executives to key roles for its U.S. refreshment beverages and coffee market segments. Andrew Archambault, currently president of U.S. Refreshment Beverages will depart KDP on January 31.
Named president of U.S. Refreshment Beverages for KDP, Eric Gorli will oversee the company's $9 billion liquid refreshment business, which includes carbonated soft drinks, still beverages and energy portfolios. He has nearly 30 years of experience in the beverage industry, including nearly two decades at Coca-Cola in roles across both bottling operations and Coca-Cola North America. Since joining KDP in 2015, Gorli most recently served as KDP's chief commercial officer.
Named chief customer officer, Sean Cronican will lead KDP's customer-facing teams for all of the company's customer partnerships in the United States, including grocery, mass, club, small format, fountain food service and e-commerce. With nearly 30 years of sales experience and having joined KDP in 2016, Cronican has built and deepened many of KDP's critical customer relationships. Before KDP, Cronican spent nearly 20 years with Abbott Nutrition.
Drew Panayiotou, who joined KDP this past November, has been named chief marketing officer. He will expand his responsibilities to include marketing for U.S. Refreshment Beverages and U.S. Coffee as well as enterprise marketing services. With nearly 30 years of sales, marketing and general management experience, Panayiotou is accelerating a digital-first marketing approach at KDP.
These three leaders join existing executive team members reporting directly to CEO Tim Cofer.
In addition to the personnel changes, the company announced an emphasis on growing the energy category. Through a series of brand and infrastructure investments over the last several years, KDP has significantly increased its market share, and its energy portfolio now generates more than $1 billion in retail sales
To capitalize on these investments, the company appointed Justin Whitmore to the newly created role of president, KDP Energy, overseeing KDP's energy brand portfolio, including marketing, sales, operations and integration. Whitmore will report to Eric Gorli.
