Seattle-based Starbucks announced that Brian Niccol has been appointed chairman and chief executive officer (CEO). Niccol will start in his new role Sept. 9.

BENEO announces its new CEO while HOWTIAN introduces SoPure Andromeda.

The Brewers Association (BA), the Boulder, Colo.-based not-for-profit trade association dedicated to advocating for small and independent American craft brewers, announced the retirement of president and CEO Bob Pease. After 32 years with the Brewers Association, Pease will step down in early 2025 once his successor is in place.

In the bottling world, companies recognize the importance of being proactive members of the communities they operate in and serve. For Buffalo Rock Company, Birmingham, Ala., the company’s culture is centered on investing in its people and communities.

The Boston Beer Co., Boston, announced leadership changes effective April 1. Dave Burwick will retire as president and CEO and member of the Board of Directors, with Michael Spillane to assume the president and CEO role effective upon Burwick’s retirement. Spillane is currently the lead director of The Boston Beer Co. and has been a board member since 2016.

Suja Life, a Paine Schwartz Partners portfolio company and the parent company of Suja Organic and Vive Organic, announced the appointment of Maria Stipp as its new CEO, effective Feb. 20. Stipp succeeds Bob DeBorde who will retire and remain an active member as Chair of the Board of Directors.

PepsiCo Inc., Purchase, N.Y., appointed Ram Krishnan CEO for PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA). Krishnan’s appointment follows the retirement of Kirk Tanner from PepsiCo on Feb. 2. Tanner was appointed by The Wendy’s Co.’s Board of Directors as president and CEO, effective Feb. 5. 

Ingredient companies announced new research on ingredients performance as well as company progress toward ESG.

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc., Burlington, Mass., and Frisco, Texas, announced the appointment of Tim Cofer as chief operating officer (COO), reporting to Chairman and CEO Bob Gamgort, as a key step in the company's CEO succession plan. Cofer, who will join KDP on Nov. 6, will work side by side with Gamgort while in a COO capacity, with a planned transition to CEO in the second quarter of 2024. Gamgort will serve as executive chairman of KDP after the transition occurs. 

American Beverage (AB), Washington, D.C., announced that Kevin W. Keane, a longtime member of the beverage industry’s leadership team, has been named its new president and chief executive officer. Keane will provide day-to-day leadership and management of the industry trade group to advance its strategic priorities, working in close partnership with AB’s full team and the AB Board leadership.