PepsiCo is one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world, with a vast portfolio of iconic brands like Pepsi, Lay’s, Gatorade, Tropicana, and Quaker Oats. Leading this global giant is Ramon Laguarta, the Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo. Since taking over the role in 2018, Ramon has been instrumental in driving PepsiCo’s growth strategy, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and global expansion.
In this blog, we’ll take a detailed look at Ramon Laguarta’s salary, net worth, and leadership contributions. We’ll also explore how his compensation is structured and how it aligns with PepsiCo’s performance.
About PepsiCo
PepsiCo is a household name, known for its extensive portfolio of snacks, beverages, and packaged foods. Founded in 1965 through the merger of Pepsi-Cola and Frito-Lay, the company has grown into a global powerhouse.
Key Facts About PepsiCo:
- Revenue: Over $86 billion in 2023.
- Global Reach: Products sold in more than 200 countries.
- Iconic Brands: Home to 23 brands that each generate over $1 billion in annual retail sales, including Doritos, Mountain Dew, and Aquafina.
PepsiCo’s success is driven by its leadership, with Ramon Laguarta at the helm. His vision and strategic initiatives have ensured the company’s continued growth and relevance in a competitive market.
Who is Ramon Laguarta?
Ramon Laguarta is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in the food and beverage industry. He became CEO of PepsiCo in 2018 and was named Chairman of the Board in 2019.
Professional Background and Achievements
- Ramon joined PepsiCo in 1996 and has held various leadership roles in Europe, including overseeing the company’s beverage and food business in Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa.
- As CEO, he has focused on portfolio transformation, international expansion, and capturing new consumption occasions.
- Under his leadership, PepsiCo introduced the pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) framework, an ambitious sustainability initiative aimed at reducing the company’s environmental footprint and offering healthier product choices.
Education and Personal Life
Ramon holds:
- An MBA from ESADE Business School in Spain.
- A Master’s in International Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management.
Born and raised in Barcelona, Ramon speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Catalan, French, German, and Greek. He currently serves on the boards of Visa Inc. and the Business Round Table.
PepsiCo CEO Salary Breakdown
Ramon Laguarta’s total compensation package reflects his role as the leader of one of the world’s largest companies. His earnings are designed to align with PepsiCo’s performance, incentivizing long-term growth and success.
Breakdown of Total Compensation (2024 Fiscal Year):
- Total Compensation: ~$28.8 million.
- Base Salary: ~$1.76 million.
- Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation: ~$6.77 million.
- Stock Awards and Options: ~$11 million.
- Change in Pension and Deferred Compensation: ~$8.74 million.
- Other Compensation: ~$538,000 (includes perks like retirement contributions, travel allowances, and other benefits).
Table: PepsiCo CEO Salary Information (2024)
| Compensation Component | Amount (USD) | Percentage of Total Pay |
| Base Salary | $1.76 Million | 6% |
| Non-Equity Incentive Plan | $6.77 Million | 24% |
| Stock Awards & Options | $11 Million | 38% |
| Change in Pension & Deferred Comp | $8.74 Million | 30% |
| Other Compensation | $538,000 | 2% |
| Total Compensation | $28.8 Million | 100% |
CEO-to-Worker Pay Ratio
In 2024, Ramon Laguarta’s pay was 538 times the median employee salary at PepsiCo, which was approximately $53,551. This ratio is a common metric used to highlight the disparity between executive compensation and average worker pay.
Ramon Laguarta’s Net Worth
Estimated Net Worth
Ramon Laguarta’s net worth is estimated to be $100–$120 million. His wealth primarily comes from his salary, bonuses, stock awards, and other investments.
Stock Ownership
As the CEO of PepsiCo, Ramon holds a significant number of PepsiCo shares. Stock awards and options form a substantial part of his compensation, directly linking his wealth to the company’s performance.
Comparison to Industry Peers
Ramon Laguarta’s earnings are competitive with other CEOs in the food and beverage industry. For example:
- James Quincey (Coca-Cola CEO): Total compensation of ~$22 million in 2024.
- Dirk Van de Put (Mondelez CEO): Total compensation of ~$18 million in 2024.
- Miguel Patricio (Kraft Heinz CEO): Total compensation of ~$17 million in 2024.
While Ramon’s total earnings are higher than most of his peers, it reflects PepsiCo’s size, global reach, and consistent financial performance.
How PepsiCo CEO Compensation is Determined
PepsiCo’s compensation strategy is designed to reward performance and align executive pay with the company’s long-term goals.
Performance-Based Metrics
The majority of Ramon Laguarta’s compensation is tied to performance metrics, including:
- Revenue Growth: PepsiCo’s ability to grow its top line through innovation and market expansion.
- Profitability: Achieving strong margins and delivering value to shareholders.
- Sustainability Goals: Progress toward PepsiCo’s pep+ framework, which focuses on reducing environmental impact and offering healthier product options.
Board Oversight
PepsiCo’s board of directors plays a critical role in setting and approving executive compensation. The board ensures that pay packages are competitive and aligned with shareholder interests.
Public Perception of PepsiCo CEO Pay
Transparency in Compensation
PepsiCo discloses executive pay in its annual proxy statements, providing transparency about how compensation is structured and linked to performance.
Balancing Act
While Ramon Laguarta’s earnings are substantial, they are justified by PepsiCo’s strong financial performance and his leadership in driving innovation and sustainability.
Social Responsibility
Ramon’s focus on sustainability and healthier product choices has helped improve public perception of PepsiCo’s leadership and its commitment to making a positive impact.
PepsiCo’s Financial Performance and CEO Pay
PepsiCo’s strong financial performance under Ramon Laguarta’s leadership has justified his compensation package.
Key Financial Highlights (2023–2024):
- Revenue Growth: PepsiCo generated over $86 billion in revenue in 2023, driven by innovation and international expansion.
- Global Expansion: Ramon has focused on high-growth markets, including Asia and Africa, to capture new opportunities.
- Sustainability Initiatives: The pep+ framework has positioned PepsiCo as a leader in corporate responsibility, reducing its environmental impact while delivering value to shareholders.
Ramon’s pay is closely tied to these achievements, reflecting his contributions to PepsiCo’s success.
Future Outlook for PepsiCo CEO Compensation
As PepsiCo continues to grow, Ramon Laguarta’s compensation is expected to remain competitive and aligned with the company’s performance.
Predictions for Future Earnings:
- Expansion into Emerging Markets: Ramon’s focus on high-growth regions will likely drive further revenue growth, impacting his performance-based pay.
- Sustainability Goals: Achieving milestones under the pep+ framework will play a key role in determining future bonuses and incentives.
- Innovation in Product Development: PepsiCo’s ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences will be critical to its long-term success.
Key Takeaways
- Current CEO: Ramon Laguarta has been PepsiCo’s CEO since 2018 and Chairman since 2019.
- Total Compensation: In 2024, Ramon earned approximately $28.8 million, with the majority of his pay tied to performance metrics.
- Net Worth: Ramon’s net worth is estimated to be between $100–$120 million, reflecting his career earnings and stock awards.
- Performance-Based Pay: Around 94% of Ramon’s compensation comes from bonuses, stock, and other non-salary rewards, aligning his earnings with PepsiCo’s results.
- Sustainability Focus: Ramon’s leadership has emphasized sustainability, innovation, and global growth, ensuring PepsiCo’s continued success in a competitive market.
Conclusion
Ramon Laguarta’s role as the CEO of PepsiCo is critical to the company’s success. His compensation package reflects his leadership in driving growth, innovation, and sustainability. While his earnings are significant, they are directly tied to PepsiCo’s performance, ensuring alignment with shareholder and stakeholder interests.