The company said Rafa Oliveira, head of its Coffee Operating Unit, will leave at the end of July to pursue an external chief executive opportunity. In response, the board has launched a search for the future CEO of Global Coffee Co.
KDP Chairman Pamela Patsley will lead the search process and is also set to become chairman of the board of Global Coffee Co. following the separation.
Tim Cofer, chief executive of Keurig Dr Pepper, will continue to oversee the coffee business during the transition while also leading preparations for the planned split. As previously announced, Cofer will become CEO of Beverage Co. once the separation is completed.
The company said its coffee leadership team and transformation office will continue to work on integration efforts and separation milestones over the coming months.
The leadership update comes as Keurig Dr Pepper continues integrating JDE Peet’s into its operations, a transaction that significantly expanded the company’s global coffee footprint. The combined coffee business includes brands such as Peet’s, L’OR and Jacobs and operates in more than 100 markets worldwide.
Keurig Dr Pepper said its conviction in the long-term potential of Global Coffee Co. has strengthened since the close of the JDE Peet’s transaction and that it remains focused on building a scaled global coffee business.
Alongside the leadership announcement, the company reaffirmed its 2026 financial guidance. KDP continues to expect net sales of between $25.9 billion and $26.4 billion this year and forecasts low double-digit growth in adjusted diluted earnings per share on a constant currency basis.
The company employs more than 50,000 people and owns, licenses or partners with more than 150 beverage and coffee brands, including Dr Pepper, 7UP, Canada Dry, Snapple and Keurig.
The planned separation is expected to create two standalone businesses, one focused on North American beverages and the other dedicated to global coffee operations. Further details on the transaction and leadership appointments are expected as preparations continue ahead of the targeted early-2027 completion date.
Editor’s Note: This article is based on an official press release issued by Keurig Dr Pepper on 23 June 2026 and company information provided by the business regarding its planned separation into Beverage Co. and Global Coffee Co., leadership changes, and reaffirmed 2026 financial guidance. Additional background information on the company’s brands, operations and workforce has been sourced from publicly available company materials.
