Warlike's post | Quora

Ramon Laguarta: The CEO Who’s Quietly Changing PepsiCo (And Why I’m Actually Impressed) Okay, real talk: when was the last time you thought about the person running PepsiCo? Like, actually stopped and wondered who’s behind all the Mountain Dew, Doritos, and, yep, Pepsi itself? If you asked me a few years ago, I would’ve been like, “Uh… no idea?!” But lately, I’ve been falling down this rabbit hole of reading about major global CEOs—and Ramon Laguarta legit grabbed my attention. First off, the guy just looks like someone you’d want to have a coffee with. There’s this approachable vibe to him, which is not what I usually expect from people running Fortune 500s. I stumbled upon an interview he did, and it wasn’t all corporate jargon; he actually sounded like a human being. That alone kinda hooked me. But what truly blew me away was how he’s been quietly steering PepsiCo in some seriously bold directions, especially on sustainability and global expansion. Not Your Stereotypical CEO So, here’s the scoop: Ramon Laguarta is originally from Barcelona (how cool is that?), and he’s only the sixth CEO in PepsiCo’s entire history. That’s wild for a company that’s been around for over a century! When he took over in 2018, a lot of people were expecting the “same old, same old.” Instead, he started talking about making PepsiCo “faster, stronger, and better.” Not just in a “let’s make more money” way, but in a “let’s do business better” way. I remember reading about how he wants PepsiCo to be a “more sustainable company.” Honestly, I rolled my eyes at first—every big corporation is jumping on the green bandwagon, right? But then I dug deeper. Under Laguarta, PepsiCo has ramped up efforts to cut plastic waste, reduce water usage, and even shift towards healthier snacks and drinks. Like, have you noticed how many non-soda drinks they’ve launched lately? That’s not a coincidence. Global Mindset & Real-World Impact What I find genuinely fascinating is Laguarta’s global perspective. He’s fluent in multiple languages and has lived all over the world. That’s not just a fun fact—it actually shapes the way he runs PepsiCo. I read that he’s big on adapting products to local tastes (like, PepsiCo in China isn’t just selling the same chips as in the US). It sounds obvious, but apparently, it’s a huge shift from how things used to be done. And let’s talk about the pandemic for a sec. While some companies were just scrambling to stay afloat, Laguarta was pushing PepsiCo to double down on digital, invest in direct-to-consumer channels, and amp up support for frontline workers. I remember watching a video where he spoke about “leading with empathy.” I know, it sounds fluffy, but it actually resonated with me. In a world where CEOs can sometimes feel like robots, it’s refreshing to see someone who’s not afraid to talk about compassion and responsibility. Personal Take: Why Ramon Laguarta Inspires Me So why am I, a total outsider, so invested in Ramon Laguarta’s story? I think it’s because he reminds me that leadership isn’t just about the bottom line. It’s about having the guts to make tough changes, even when people are skeptical. Honestly, if you told me five years ago that PepsiCo would be talking about regenerative agriculture or plant-based protein snacks, I would’ve laughed. Yet here we are. Maybe it’s because I’m becoming more conscious of what I consume and who I “support” with my purchases. When I see a CEO like Laguarta pushing for real change—not just for PR points, but actually shifting a giant like PepsiCo towards more responsible business—I feel a little more hopeful. It makes me think that even the biggest companies (and their leaders) can evolve. Final Thoughts: Let’s Celebrate Real Change-Makers I’m not saying Ramon Laguarta is perfect (who is?), but I do think he’s proof that you can be a big boss and care about more than just profit margins. If you’re into leadership, business, or just curious about how the world’s biggest brands are changing, I seriously recommend checking out some of Laguarta’s interviews. He’s got this low-key, thoughtful energy that’s honestly kind of inspiring. So next time you crack open a Pepsi, munch on some Lay’s, or grab a Gatorade, maybe spare a thought for the people steering the ship—and what they stand for. Here’s to more leaders like Ramon Laguarta, who aren’t afraid to do things differently. Who knows? Maybe they’ll inspire us to shake things up in our own lives, too. What do you think? Would love to hear your thoughts on leadership and how big brands can make a difference. Drop your opinions below!