PepsiCo appoints Johnson & Johnson CEO Joaquin Duato to Board

PepsiCo has appointed Joaquin Duato, Chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson, to its Board of Directors. Duato is scheduled to join the board and the Audit Committee on December 1, 2026.

CEO Ramon Laguarta cited Duato’s extensive experience in portfolio optimization and strategic transformation as key reasons for the appointment. Duato brings over three decades of experience from the healthcare sector, including leadership roles in global pharmaceutical operations.

The leadership change comes as PepsiCo faces economic pressures. The company’s stock recently declined by 2.4 percent, approaching its 52-week low, amid weak consumer demand for consumer goods and increased competition in the beverage sector. While international demand remains stable, PepsiCo’s North American snack and beverage divisions have faced challenges due to inflationary pressures affecting household spending.