PepsiCo Appointed New Corporate Affairs Lead for Europe
The beverage giant has hired a veteran communicator to oversee government and public relations in Europe and the EU.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Public Companies
Annick Boyen has joined PepsiCo as vice president of corporate affairs for Europe and the EU, operating out of the company's EMEA headquarters in Geneva. She brings over 25 years of experience to the role, including nine years spent in senior communications positions at Unilever.
Why it matters
For global operators, this executive appointment signals a shift in how a major multinational manages regional regulatory and public affairs. Strengthening corporate communications infrastructure is a common strategy for navigating complex EU policy environments.
The new vice president brings 25 years of total professional experience and 9 years of prior tenure at Unilever to her role overseeing PepsiCo's European affairs. The scope of her oversight spans the entirety of Europe and the EU.
The players
Annick Boyen
An experienced communications executive with 25 years in the field and a former senior leader at Unilever.
PepsiCo
A global food and beverage corporation with a vast international supply chain and extensive regulatory interests.
Unilever
A multinational consumer goods company where Boyen previously served for nine years in senior roles.
Weber Shandwick
A global public relations firm where Boyen previously served as CEO of the Benelux division.
The details
Boyen will be based at the company's EMEA headquarters in Geneva, overseeing corporate affairs across the region. Her background includes managing Netherlands operations as managing director at Weber Shandwick, providing her with experience in agency-side stakeholder management. This move consolidates the leadership of PepsiCo's regional engagement efforts under an executive with significant cross-market expertise.
Timeline
October 5, 2026: The appointment was confirmed.
Market Landscape
This appointment follows a pattern set by firms needing to manage the rigorous reporting requirements established by the 2024 EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. Large multinationals are increasingly centralizing their EU regulatory strategy to align with evolving regional standards.
Operators should monitor how PepsiCo's public policy shifts under new leadership, as these changes often signal upcoming changes in industry lobbying or compliance priorities. Evaluate your own organizational structure to ensure regional leadership has the necessary authority to navigate cross-border regulations.
The takeaway
Executive moves in corporate affairs often precede shifts in a company's regional regulatory engagement strategy. Keep an eye on the firm's future public statements regarding EU trade and sustainability compliance to identify how the new leadership influences their market posture.
Further reading
For more insight into leadership shifts within major corporations, visit Public Companies.
Source note: This article includes information reported by PRovoke Media.
