Keurig Dr Pepper has appointed Kimberly-Clark executive Russ Torres as chief executive officer of its planned Global Coffee Co, as the company moves toward the separation of its coffee and beverage businesses.

Torres will join Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) on 3 November 2026, initially serving as CEO of the company's Coffee Operating Unit. In that role, he will oversee the integration of KDP's and JDE Peet's coffee operations ahead of the planned separation, which is targeted for early 2027.

Following the separation, Torres will become CEO and a member of the board of the future Global Coffee Co. KDP CEO Tim Cofer will become CEO of the company's future Beverage Co.

Torres joins KDP from Kimberly-Clark Corporation, where he is currently president and chief operating officer, with responsibility for operations spanning more than 30 countries. He has three decades of experience in the consumer goods sector, including leadership positions at Newell Brands, Bain & Company and Mondelēz International, formerly Kraft Foods.

At Kimberly-Clark, Torres previously served as group president of North America, where he was responsible for driving growth across the company's regional portfolio.

Pamela Patsley, chairman of KDP's board and future chairman of Global Coffee Co, said: “Russ is a proven leader with extensive experience building consumer brands, guiding global organisations through complex change, and delivering consistent results with high-performing teams."

Cofer said Torres would join with time to work with KDP's coffee teams ahead of the separation and focus on integration and synergy opportunities.

The appointment comes as KDP prepares to combine its coffee operations with those of JDE Peet's into a standalone global coffee company.

The planned business is expected to generate approximately $16 billion in annual revenue, employ more than 25,000 people and operate across more than 100 markets, according to KDP.

Its portfolio will span single-serve systems, roast and ground coffee, whole bean, soluble coffee, ready-to-drink products and away-from-home formats. Brands will include Keurig, Jacobs, Peet's, L'OR and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, alongside regional brands.

The creation of the business will bring together KDP's substantial single-serve coffee platform with JDE Peet's portfolio of international coffee brands and formats.

Torres said: “Coffee is one of the most exciting and resilient categories in consumer goods today. With the remarkable talent across this business and powerhouse brands like Keurig, Peet’s, L’OR, Jacobs and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Global Coffee Co is uniquely positioned to drive growth, deliver game-changing innovations, and delight consumers around the world.”

KDP said the planned separation remains targeted for early 2027.