As it prepares for its separation into two companies, Keurig Dr Pepper has announced leadership changes with the departure of coffee unit CEO Rafa Oliveira.
In a related development, Heineken N.V. announced the nomination of Oliveira as the company’s new executive board chair and CEO.
The KDP board of directors has opened a search process for the future Global Coffee Co. CEO, the company reported. In addition, the company said Pamela Patsley, chairman of KDP’s board, will serve as board chairman of Global Coffee Co. following the corporate separation. Plans call for Keurig Dr Pepper to split into two businesses, Beverage Co. and Global Coffee Co., in early 2027.
At Keurig Dr Pepper, Tim Cofer, CEO, will continue to oversee the coffee business, then he will serve as CEO of Beverage Co. post-separation. Patsley has been a KDP board member since the company’s formation in 2018 and is suited for the new role given her deep knowledge of the coffee industry and vast experience with public company governance, KDP pointed out.
While announcing the leadership changes, Coffer said, “Our business has strong momentum, and we remain focused on executing our 2026 priorities: delivering our full year guidance, successfully integrating JDE Peet’s and achieving separation milestones. We have highly capable and experienced leadership teams for our Beverage Operating Unit, Coffee Operating Unit and Transformation Management Office, and I will work closely with each group to deliver on our commitments while standing up two advantaged companies.”
As it made the leadership changes, KDP reaffirmed its 2026 guidance for net sales of $25.9 billion to $26.4 billion and constant currency adjusted diluted earnings growth in a low-double-digit range.
