Pepsi Bottling Group Inc. said its board of directors has appointed Eric Foss as chairman of the board. Foss also serves as the company’s CEO.
The appointment means Barry Beracha will resume his responsibilities as director on the PBG Board. Beracha had served as PBG’s non-executive chairman since 2007.
“The Pepsi Bottling Group is a company with a track record of strong financial results, superior customer service, active community involvement and talented employees. I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as PBG’s Chairman,” Foss said. “I want to thank Barry Beracha for his leadership, advice and counsel. As one of PBG’s founding directors, Barry continues to enhance our Board and strengthen our Company through his insights and enthusiasm. I look forward to my new role and to guiding PBG towards a promising future.”
“PBG is fortunate to have someone with Eric’s leadership skills and industry expertise in the role of Chairman,” Beracha said. “Eric brings a combination of passion, vision, and dedication to the boardroom that will further enhance our ability to create shareholder value.”
Foss became PBG’s CEO in July 2006, and has spent more than 25 years in the Pepsi system, garnering extensive experience in both the U.S. and overseas.
He joined Pepsi-Cola Company in 1982. After holding a variety of sales, marketing and general management positions, he was named vice president of retail strategy for Pepsi-Cola North America (PCNA) in 1990.
In later years he served as general manager of PCNA’s Great West Business Unit, general manager of Pepsi-Cola’s Central Europe business and senior vice president of PBG’s U.S. Sales and Field Marketing.
He was appointed executive vice president and general manager of PBG North America in 2000 and a year later was named president of the same. He served as PBG’s COO from September 2005 to July 2006.
Foss currently sits on the board of directors for United Dominion Realty Trust Inc. and on the Industry Affairs Council of the Grocery Manufacturers of America.
