Next CEO Salary and Equity Requirements Revealed.. Existing Leader Sells Stock Options

U.S. beverage company The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) has signed an offer letter with Enrique Brown, who will assume the role of CEO on March 31, setting an annual base salary of $1.45 million, an annual incentive target of 200% of base salary, participation in the long-term incentive program, and a share ownership requirement equal to eight times his base salary through the end of 2028. While granting Brown use of a corporate aircraft for business and reasonable personal purposes, the offer letter clarifies that it does not constitute an employment contract and became effective on February 19 upon signature by a board member and Brown. Current CEO James Quincey exercised hundreds of thousands of stock options under the 2014 Equity Plan on February 3, then sold the same number of shares at approximately $77 per share under a pre-established 10b5-1 trading plan, netting roughly $26 million. He also disclosed holding several hundred thousand Coca-Cola shares both directly and indirectly.

On February 10, Coca-Cola reported fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results and issued guidance for fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) growth of 7–8% and organic revenue growth of 4–5%. The stock experienced volatility on the day of the announcement as investors digested the results and outlook. Earlier in the month, amid strengthening demand for defensive consumer staples, Coca-Cola shares hit an all-time high of $79.03, underscoring their safe-haven appeal in a volatile 2026 market.

The Coca-Cola Company is a global beverage powerhouse, selling more than 200 brands across over 200 countries and territories, including marquee names like Coca-Cola, Sprite, Powerade and Minute Maid. Facing health concerns and tightening regulations in the carbonated drinks sector, the company has diversified its portfolio with zero-sugar products, sports beverages, coffee and dairy offerings, solidifying its position as a defensive consumer staple with stable cash flows.