Last updated on June 13th, 2024
The PepsiCo Inc. Board of Directors has elected Edith W. Cooper as an independent member of the board. Cooper, 59, will join the board and the audit committee effective Sept. 1.
She spent more than two decades of her career with The Goldman Sachs Group Inc., most recently serving as EVP and global head of human capital management from 2011 to 2017 and managing director and global head of human capital management from 2008 to 2011. Cooper began her career in derivative sales at Morgan Stanley from 1991 to 1996 and Bankers Trust Co. from 1986 to 1991.
“We are pleased to welcome Edith as we continue to strengthen PepsiCo’s Board with a diverse set of leaders,” said PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Ramon Laguarta. “Her strong background in building and attracting talent will serve PepsiCo well as we bring new capabilities to our team and advance our commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion. PepsiCo will also benefit from Edith’s strong financial background through over 30 years of experience in management and sales leadership positions at top organizations.”
Cooper co-founded Medley, a membership-based community for personal and professional growth, in 2020. Cooper also serves on the boards of directors of several non-profit organizations, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and Mount Sinai Hospital.
“Edith will be a valued addition to our board, and we are thrilled to add her perspective and experience,” said Robert Pohlad, chair of the board’s nominating and corporate governance committee. “Edith brings extensive corporate governance prowess and knowledge of the human resources field to our team and will be a powerful voice as we continue to invest to accelerate growth and deliver long-term shareholder value.”
Purchase, New York-based PepsiCo generated more than $70 billion in net revenue in 2020, driven by a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker, Tropicana and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including 23 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.