Coca-Cola said Wednesday that its chief operating officer, Henrique Braun, will become the company’s next chief executive officer in the first quarter of 2026.

The Atlanta-based beverage company said its board has elected Braun as CEO effective March 31. James Quincey, currently chairman and CEO, will shift into the role of executive chairman.

Braun, 57, has spent three decades at Coca-Cola. Before becoming COO earlier this year, he led operations in Brazil, Latin America, Greater China and South Korea, and has held leadership roles across supply chain, new business development, marketing, innovation, general management and bottling.

Born in California and raised in Brazil, Braun holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, a master’s degree from Michigan State University and an MBA from Georgia State University.

David Weinberg, Coca-Cola’s lead independent director, called Quincey, 60, a “transformative leader” who will continue to play an active role in the company.