Differences bubble up between PepsiCo and Coca-Cola on diversity programs
PepsiCo and rival Coca-Cola are taking different paths on the issue of diversity. In a memo sent to employees and released Friday, PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta said the company is rolling back some of its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, including setting goals for minority representation in managerial roles. PepsiCo’s chief diversity officer will also transition to a broader role focused on employee engagement and leadership development. PepsiCo’s rollback came as Coca-Cola reaffirmed support for its own diversity efforts in its annual report. Atlanta-based Coke warned that its business could be negatively affected if it is unable to attract employees that reflect its broad range of customers.