Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. has picked Russ Torres to run its coffee business as the company prepares to split its beverage and coffee operations into two independent companies.
Once separated, the coffee company will be called Global Coffee Co. It is expected to bring in $16 billion in annual revenue from brands that include Keurig, Peet's and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters.
Torres starts at the Frisco-based company on Nov. 3 and will report to Tim Cofer, Keurig Dr Pepper's chief executive. Cofer is slated to lead the beverage company, Beverage Co., after the separation, which is expected early in 2027.
Torres will also hold a seat on Global Coffee Co.'s board. He comes from Kimberly-Clark Corp., where he is president and chief operating officer.
In announcing the hire, Cofer said Torres brings "the right combination of commercial drive, brand-building pedigree, and operational discipline" needed to set up the coffee company for long-term growth. Cofer also said the existing business is healthy, that integration and debt-reduction work is on schedule, and that Torres will have ample time to get to know employees, pursue cost savings from the combination and help set strategy well before the split.
