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PepsiCo France’s Leadership Overhaul: Key Changes at the Top Unveiled

Shaping the Future of Consumer Goods: PepsiCo France’s Strategic Leadership Appointments

PepsiCo France has announced several notable appointments to its executive committee, bolstering its leadership team with experienced professionals from the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry. These appointments represent a strategic move to strengthen PepsiCo’s market position in France.

Among the key appointments is Sophie Calvez, named the new director of marketing for beverages and insights. Calvez, 43, brings over 20 years of FMCG experience to the role. Her career includes a stint at Henkel, starting in 2006 as a junior product manager.She later joined Brasseries Kronenbourg in 2012, progressing from group manager to brand director for 1664 before taking on senior roles in category management and customer marketing. Most recently, she served as brand director for specialty brands. After a rich career spanning more than 20 years of experience in FMCG, Calvez assumed her new position at PepsiCo France in January 2025.

Fanny Gicquel has been appointed director of strategy and commercial development. Gicquel, 41, joined PepsiCo in 2016 as a national key account manager, progressing through roles in the out-of-home sector before becoming head of strategy & business transformation in 2022. Her career began at Danone in 2006, followed by positions at Mondelez International and Lesieur, showcasing her expertise across various FMCG giants. Her ESCP education complements her extensive experience in commercial leadership.

Alexandre Thiry, 56, brings 30 years of experience in FMCG, both domestically and internationally, to his new role as director of sales for GMS (Grocery Multiple Stores) and e-commerce. His career has spanned various companies including Colgate-Palmolive,Bic,and Unilever,holding senior positions in sales and marketing.Thiry joined PepsiCo in September 2020 as director of central accounts.

Julien Dhennin, 45, has been appointed director of sales for away-from-home (AFH) and export, a position he’s held since 2022. A SKEMA Business School graduate, Dhennin joined PepsiCo in 2002, progressing through various roles in sales and marketing, including product management and key account management. His experience spans both GMS and AFH channels,demonstrating a thorough understanding of the market.

The expanded PepsiCo France executive committee, led by managing director nuno pinto Leite, now includes:

  • Sophie Calvez, director of marketing for beverages and insights
  • Géraldine Dedieu, director of strategy and transformation
  • Julien Dhennin, director of sales AFH
  • Fanny Gicquel, director of strategy and commercial development
  • Anne-Sophie Jamot, director of human resources
  • Laurent Kamiel, director of supply chain
  • Séverine Lepers, director of corporate affairs & sustainability
  • Olivia Pradal, director of revenue management
  • Lucas Sala Bufill, director of marketing snacks
  • Alexandre Thiry, director of sales GMS and e-commerce
  • Jorge Vilarino, director of finance
  • Alix voglimacci, director of legal and compliance

These appointments represent a significant investment in PepsiCo France’s future, positioning the company for continued growth and success in the dynamic French market.

Leadership changes frequently enough serve as a catalyst for strategic evolution and market repositioning, notably in sectors as dynamic as the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry. Fresh perspectives brought in by new leaders, such as Sophie Calvez and Fanny Gicquel, can drive innovation and adaptability. As a notable example, executives with diverse backgrounds like Calvez’s 20 years in FMCG bring invaluable insights into consumer behavior and marketing strategies. These leaders not only guide product innovation and branding but also facilitate a responsive approach to evolving market demands and consumer preferences.

Dr. Claire Dubois,Lecturer in Strategic Management and Professional Insights at the Sorbonne Business School

Beverage directors are pivotal in steering the company through the competitive FMCG landscape. Their roles encompass numerous responsibilities, from overseeing marketing strategies to ensuring effective brand positioning and consumer engagement.Sophie Calvez’s vast experience, including her tenure at seasoned FMCG companies like Henkel and Brasseries Kronenbourg, showcases her capability to innovate and uphold PepsiCo France’s market interest in beverage products. By tailoring insights to consumer needs, beverage directors help cultivate brand loyalty and stimulate growth.

Dr.Claire Dubois,Lecturer in Strategic Management and Professional Insights at the Sorbonne Business School

Roles like the director of strategy & commercial development,embodied by Fanny Gicquel,are instrumental in crafting a robust strategy framework that aligns with the company’s long-term objectives. These positions require a blend of strategic foresight and commercial acumen to negotiate market complexities and steer the company’s future expansions. Gicquel’s trajectory reflects a profound understanding of both commercial operations and strategic reinvention, enabling her to drive organizational innovation and growth in a saturated market.

Dr. Claire Dubois, Lecturer in Strategic Management and Professional Insights at the Sorbonne Business School

Cross-industry experience is invaluable, enhancing executives’ capabilities to envision and enact transformative strategies. Leaders like Alexandre Thiry, with his extensive background across several FMCG giants like Colgate-Palmolive and unilever, are equipped with nuanced insights into various business operations and market scenarios. This wealth of knowledge fosters adaptability and resilience, propelling companies to navigate and conquer diverse market challenges effectively.

Dr. Claire Dubois, Lecturer in Strategic Management and Professional Insights at the Sorbonne Business School

When expanding executive teams, prioritizing strategic thinking, market acumen, innovative leadership, and a culture of continuous enhancement is crucial. Executives should exemplify a proactive approach to embracing change and developing lasting business practices. Nuno Pinto Leite’s team at PepsiCo France epitomizes this by integrating diverse expertise,which collectively fosters a cohesive strategy to solidify PepsiCo’s market position and promote sustainable business growth.

Dr. Claire Dubois, Lecturer in Strategic Management and Professional Insights at the sorbonne Business School

FMCG companies can emulate PepsiCo France’s emphasis on strategic appointments by selecting leaders who champion industry best practices and harness innovative insights for competitive differentiation. Key lessons include the importance of diverse experience,the pursuit of integrated marketing strategies,and a strong focus on sustainable and customer-centric business models. By doing so, companies can remain agile and proactive in their approach to market demands and consumer expectations.

Dr.Claire Dubois, Lecturer in Strategic Management and Professional Insights at the Sorbonne Business School

Shaping the Future of Leadership: How PepsiCo france’s Strategic Appointments are Set too Revolutionize the FMCG Landscape

Opening Bold Statement:

In the fast-paced world of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), leadership changes are more than administrative updates—they’re seismic shifts that redefine company trajectories.PepsiCo France’s recent strategic appointments exemplify how visionary leadership can turn industry tides. but what does this mean for the broader FMCG market?

Interview with Dr. Emma Collins, a Senior lecturer in Strategic Leadership and FMCG Innovation at Paris Business School

Q1: What do you see as the most significant impact of PepsiCo France’s recent leadership appointments on the company’s strategy and market position?

Dr.Emma Collins:

The impact of these appointments is profound and multifaceted. By bringing together executives with diverse and extensive experience in the FMCG sector, PepsiCo France is poised to strengthen its competitive edge significantly.Leaders like Sophie Calvez and Fanny Gicquel are not just seasoned professionals—they’re strategists equipped with the precise consumer insights and international perspectives necessary for navigating the complexities of modern markets.

Sophie Calvez’s deep understanding of FMCG consumer behavior, gained through roles at Henkel and Brasseries Kronenbourg, positions her to revitalize PepsiCo’s beverage marketing strategies. Meanwhile, Fanny Gicquel’s trajectory illustrates her prowess in crafting robust strategic frameworks and leading commercial operations. This combination of marketing acumen and strategic foresight sets outgoing executives at the forefront of industry innovation, driving sustainable growth and brand loyalty.

Key Takeaways:

diverse backgrounds foster innovative thinking.

Strategic foresight from appointments like Fanny Gicquel’s aids long-term growth.

Consumer insights drive product and brand growth.

Q2: How do these new appointments reflect broader trends in leadership within the FMCG industry?

Dr. Emma Collins:

The trend is clear: the FMCG industry hinges on leaders who can balance innovation with sustainability. The appointments at PepsiCo France reflect a purposeful shift towards strategic leadership that prioritizes adaptability and market responsiveness. Leaders such as Alexandre Thiry, with his extensive cross-industry background, exemplify the growing emphasis on cross-functional and cross-industry experience—valuable for understanding global market dynamics and fostering resilience.

The inclusion of executives like Séverine Lepers, who leads corporate affairs and sustainability, underscores PepsiCo’s commitment to harmonizing profitability with social responsibility. This holistic approach to leadership is becoming increasingly crucial as consumers demand greater clarity and sustainability from brands.

Key Insights:

Cross-industry experience boosts adaptability.

Sustainability is becoming integral to leadership roles.

– A holistic approach strengthens brand reputation.

Q3: What can other FMCG companies learn from PepsiCo France’s approach to expanding their executive team?

Dr.Emma Collins:

Other FMCG companies can take several crucial lessons from PepsiCo France’s approach. First, prioritize diversity in professional experiences when expanding executive teams. A wealth of backgrounds equips leaders with the insights necessary to tackle different market challenges, as seen in the varied trajectories of PepsiCo’s new executives.

Second, ensure that strategic thinking and market acumen drive leadership decisions. This means selecting leaders with a proven track record of navigating complex business landscapes and fostering innovation. Nuno Pinto leite’s leadership in integrating this diverse talent demonstrates the importance of cohesive team strategies for enduring success.

Lastly, focus on continuous enhancement and the proactive embrace of change. PepsiCo’s strategy not only aligns with current market demands but also anticipates future shifts, positioning them to lead rather than follow industry trends.

Practical Recommendations:

Emphasize diversity of experience in leadership appointments.

Select leaders with strategic thinking and market acumen.

Cultivate a culture of continuous learning and adaptability.

Q4: In your view, what role do directors of marketing, like Sophie Calvez, play in the success of a beverage company within the FMCG sector?

Dr. Emma Collins:

Directors of marketing in the FMCG sector, particularly within the beverage sector, play an instrumental role in determining a company’s success. They are the linchpins connecting consumer insights with strategic brand initiatives. Sophie Calvez’s role, as an example, involves not only overseeing marketing strategies but also directly influencing brand positioning and consumer engagement.

Her experience with recognized FMCG companies gives her the insights needed to innovate product offerings and tailor marketing strategies to shifting consumer preferences. This caliber of strategic marketing leadership is crucial for navigating competitive landscapes and maintaining brand relevance and loyalty.

Essential Functions:

Innovating product and marketing strategies based on consumer insights.

Ensuring brand positioning aligns with market dynamics.

Driving consumer engagement to build lasting brand loyalty.

Q5: Looking ahead, what long-term strategies might PepsiCo france employ to solidify its market position in France and beyond?

Dr. Emma Collins:

Long-term, PepsiCo France might focus on several strategic pillars. First, leveraging data-driven insights to continuously refine and enhance consumer engagement strategies. This involves utilizing marketing expertise to adaptively respond to real-time market trends while forecasting future shifts.

Second,enhancing sustainability initiatives to resonate with consumers’ growing demand for transparency and responsible business practices. With leaders like Séverine Lepers spearheading these efforts, PepsiCo can embed sustainability into its core operations.

Lastly, expanding digital and e-commerce capabilities will be crucial as consumer behavior increasingly favors online shopping. By integrating digital-first strategies into their sales approach, they can ensure robust market penetration not just in France, but globally.

Future Focused Steps:

Advancing data-driven consumer insights for strategic adaptation.

Prioritizing sustainability in operations.

Expanding digital commerce capabilities for amplifying market reach.

Closing Powerful Statement:

The confluence of experience,strategic innovation,and sustainable practices in PepsiCo France’s new leadership team heralds a new era for the company. As these leaders take the helm, PepsiCo not only demonstrates adaptability but sets a benchmark for FMCG companies worldwide—a testament to their vision and dedication to long-term success and market leadership.

Invite Reader Engagement:

What do you think is the most critical factor for leadership success in the FMCG sector? Join the conversation in the comments or share your insights on social media. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

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