Keurig-Dr Pepper (KDP) announced that former PepsiCo veteran Dr. Karin Rotem-Wildeman will be joining the company as chief research and development officer on January 9.
Rotem-Wildeman brings over 25 years of industry experience to her new position, having worked as a researcher at Nestlé and spending 18 years at PepsiCo in a variety of roles including senior vice president of research and development for regional innovation centers all over the world. Most recently, Rotem-Wildeman served as the chief scientific officer for plant-based lifestyle company LIVEKINDLY Collective.
She also holds a doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a bachelor’s degree in the same subject from Lehigh University.
“Karin is an accomplished R&D leader and CPG executive with a proven track record in concept-to-shelf innovation across multiple product categories,” said KDP chairman and CEO Bob Gamgort.
Rotem-Wildeman will take over the role from David Thomas, who held the position for 16 years.
The announcement comes after the beverage maker deals with an executive team shakeup. Last month, Gamgort returned to his former role after former CEO Ozan Dokmecioglu stepped down amid conduct violations. Over the past two months, the company filled several leadership roles, naming Roger Johnson as the new chief supply chain officer in October and adding Sudhanshu Priyadarshi, another PepsiCo veteran, took over as CFO.
KDP seems to be exploring other avenues in the beverage industry. Last month, it invested $50 million behind non-alcoholic beer maker Athletic Brewing Company. It also acquired global distribution rights for Canadian mocktail brand Atypique.