Roger Enrico was a highly successful American businessman, best known for his tenure as CEO of PepsiCo. Born on November 11, 1944, in Chisholm, Minnesota, Enrico began his career with PepsiCo in 1971 as a marketing executive for the Frito-Lay division. He quickly rose through the ranks, holding various leadership positions within the company.
Enrico is credited with leading PepsiCo through a period of significant growth and expansion. During his tenure as CEO, the company acquired several brands, including Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and KFC, and became the world’s largest restaurant company at the time. He also oversaw the development of new products such as Aquafina and Tropicana Twister.
Enrico’s leadership and business acumen helped him accumulate a significant amount of wealth throughout his career. At the time of his death in 2016, his net worth was estimated to be around $50 million.
In addition to his success in the business world, Enrico was also known for his philanthropy and community service. He served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, including the American Film Institute and the United Way.
Enrico passed away on June 1, 2016, at the age of 71. His legacy as a visionary leader and innovator in the food and beverage industry continues to inspire and influence business leaders to this day, and his philanthropic work has left a lasting impact on the communities he served.
Timeline
1944 – Roger Enrico is born on November 11 in Chisholm, Minnesota.
1971 – Enrico begins his career with PepsiCo as a marketing executive for the Frito-Lay division.
1983 – Enrico becomes CEO of Frito-Lay.
1991 – Enrico becomes Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo.
1997 – PepsiCo acquires the fast-food chains Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and KFC, creating the world’s largest restaurant company at the time.
1998 – Enrico oversees the development of new products such as Aquafina and Tropicana Twister.
2001 – Enrico retires from PepsiCo.
2002 – Enrico becomes a founding partner of the private equity firm Trian Partners.
2004 – Enrico joins the board of directors for DreamWorks Animation.
2008 – Enrico joins the board of directors for the Tribune Company.
2016 – Enrico passes away on June 1 at the age of 71.
5 Interesting Facts About Roger Enrico:
- Enrico is credited with creating the Pepsi Challenge, a blind taste test that helped PepsiCo gain market share against Coca-Cola in the 1970s.
- In addition to his work in the food and beverage industry, Enrico was a part-owner of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns.
- Enrico served on the board of directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
- Enrico was a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
- Enrico was a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the United States.
5 Quotes from Roger Enrico:
- “Leadership is about having a vision, being able to articulate that vision, and then having the courage to execute on it.”
- “You can’t get anywhere in business or in life unless you have something to offer.”
- “When I became CEO, I set out to create a culture that would attract and retain the best people and enable them to do their best work.”
- “Brands are built over a long period of time, with consistency and continuity.”
- “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”