PepsiCo Vet of 32 Years Defects to Wendy’s, Which Serves Coke

Wendy’s Co. — the burger chain that serves beverages from Coca-Cola Co. — hired a PepsiCo Inc. executive of 32 years as its new chief executive officer.

Kirk Tanner currently serves as CEO of PepsiCo’s North America beverage business, and the company said he will “retire” on Feb. 2. He’ll have to cram in a lot of shuffleboard and AARP discounts in a hurry: Wendy’s released a statement at the same time saying Tanner, 55, will succeed Todd Penegor, 58, as CEO starting Feb. 5.

Kirk Tanner

Photographer: Marco Bello/Bloomberg

Tanner has led PepsiCo’s North America beverage division since 2019. The Purchase, New ...