Compton Leaves PepsiCo; Abdalla Named President

PURCHASE, N.Y. — PepsiCo here said Tuesday that its president, John Compton (right), will leave to become chief executive officer of Knoxville, Tenn.-based truck-stop operator Pilot Flying J Oil Corp.

Zein Abdalla, who had been CEO of PepsiCo Europe, was named to succeed Compton as president of the beverage and snacks maker. Enderson Guimaraes was named to succeed Abdalla as CEO of PepsiCo Europe.

"We are sad to see John leave PepsiCo,” said Indra Nooyi, chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, in a statement. “John joined PepsiCo as a 21-year-old at the Pulaski, Tenn., Frito-Lay facility, and since that day has made countless positive contributions to this company. He is a humble and collaborative leader who cares deeply about both the business and developing talent. John is also passionate about his family, and what is particularly impressive about his decision is that he is choosing what is right for him and his family.”

Compton said, "It isn't easy leaving a company I've been a part of for 30 years. I love PepsiCo, and I will always be part of the PepsiCo family. I have deep and personal ties to Tennessee, and my family's plan all along has been to return to Tennessee at some point."

Read more: Compton's Bold Message at FMI Midwinter

In announcing the appointment of Abdalla as PepsiCo's President, Nooyi said, "We have drawn from our strong and seasoned cadre of business leaders in appointing Zein Abdalla as president. Zein's strategic vision, global experience and focus on execution will serve him very well in this new assignment." Nooyi added that during his tenure as the head of PepsiCo Europe the division grew revenues from $7 billion to $14 billion.

In his new role as president, Abdalla will oversee PepsiCo's global category groups (Global Beverages, Global Snacks and Global Nutrition), Global Operations (IT, Global Procurement, Supply Chain and Productivity), Global Marketing Services and Corporate Strategy.

"I look forward to building on the excellent work John has done by working with the Global Groups and the sector CEOs to continue to drive PepsiCo's growth agenda," said Abdalla. "We will continue to focus on global brand-building, breakthrough innovation and productivity throughout the organization."

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