Paula Santilli: Visionary CEO of PepsiCo Latin America Foods

2 weeks ago

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In the world of global business leadership, few names resonate as strongly as Paula Santilli. As the CEO of PepsiCo Latin America Foods, Santilli has carved out a distinguished career that spans more than three decades in the fast-moving consumer goods industry. Known for her commitment to inclusive growth, gender equality, and sustainable business practices, she is not only a powerful corporate leader but also a role model for women executives across the globe. This article takes a comprehensive look at her career, leadership philosophy, achievements, and the personal values that define her.

Early Life and Education

Background and Upbringing

Paula Santilli was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where her professional aspirations began to take shape. From the outset, she displayed a natural interest in communications, marketing, and leadership—qualities that would eventually guide her into some of the most influential roles in Latin American business.

Academic Foundations

Santilli pursued her undergraduate studies in Communications and Advertising Sciences at Universidad del Salvador in Argentina. To strengthen her expertise and global perspective, she later completed postgraduate work in Marketing and International Studies at Miami University in Ohio, USA. This blend of Latin American roots and American academic training provided her with the tools to navigate international markets and lead diverse teams.

Early Career

First Steps in Consumer Goods

Before her long tenure at PepsiCo, Paula Santilli built her foundation in marketing and brand management at two major multinational companies:

Campbell’s Soup Company (1989–1990) — She began her career handling marketing initiatives in Argentina.
Kellogg’s (1990–1992) — Here she expanded her portfolio in product management and consumer marketing, solidifying her knowledge of Latin American markets.

These experiences gave her early exposure to both local and global brand strategies, setting the stage for her future at PepsiCo.

Quaker Oats Years

In 1992, Santilli joined Quaker Oats in Argentina. Over the next decade, she rose through the ranks to become Country General Manager for Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, where she managed iconic brands like Quaker Foods and Gatorade. When PepsiCo acquired Quaker Oats in 2001, Santilli officially entered PepsiCo’s leadership pipeline.

PepsiCo Journey

Rise in Leadership

Santilli’s journey within PepsiCo spans over 25 years, marked by a steady progression of leadership roles across Latin America:

President, PepsiCo Mexico Beverages (2009–2011): Managed one of the company’s most competitive divisions.
Senior Vice President and General Manager, Savory Snacks (2011–2016): Oversaw beloved brands such as Sabritas, Doritos, Ruffles, and Cheetos in Mexico.
COO, PepsiCo Mexico Foods (2016–2017): Provided operational leadership across multiple units, shaping sales, marketing, and manufacturing.
President, PepsiCo Mexico Foods (2017–2019): Led one of Latin America’s largest food companies with over $4 billion in sales, 17 production plants, and more than 41,000 employees.

CEO of PepsiCo Latin America

In May 2019, Paula Santilli was named CEO of PepsiCo Latin America, a role with full P&L responsibility for a region generating $7 billion in annual revenue. Under her leadership, PepsiCo Latin America employs more than 70,000 people, operates 40+ production plants, and manages 24,000+ sales routes across 34 emerging and developing markets, including major hubs like Mexico and Brazil.

By January 2025, her role evolved to CEO of PepsiCo Latin America Foods, reflecting PepsiCo’s continued commitment to expanding its food operations under her guidance.

Leadership Philosophy

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Santilli is a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within PepsiCo and the wider corporate world. She has represented PepsiCo at global and regional forums on gender equity, and she plays an active role in PepsiCo’s Executive Women Committee. She also serves as an ambassador for the Vive Mujer Program, which provides mentorship, training, and networking for women across the company.

People-First Leadership

Her philosophy is grounded in empowering employees, strengthening communities, and fostering inclusive growth. She believes that businesses thrive when they create shared value for society, employees, and consumers.

Recognition and Awards

Throughout her career, Paula Santilli has been consistently recognized as one of the most powerful women in global business:

Forbes World’s Most Powerful Women (2019, 2020, 2023, 2024).
Fortune’s Most Powerful Women International List (2019, 2020, 2023, 2024).
BRAVO Visionary Leadership Award (2024) from the Americas Society/Council of the Americas.
Moves Nexus Power Women Award (2024) recognizing global female leaders.
Top Corporate Board Directors (2025) by The Wall Street Journal for her contributions as a board member at The Home Depot.
Exceptional Women of Excellence (2020) by the Women Economic Forum.
LinkedIn Latin America Top Voices (2019).

These accolades underline her role as both a corporate leader and a champion of women’s empowerment.

Publications and Thought Leadership

Author and Advocate

Santilli has co-authored several books that focus on women’s empowerment and leadership in Latin America, including:

El Poder de Poder. Mujeres Construyendo Latinoamérica
Empowering You, Empowering Her
A Woman’s Guide to Power, Presence, and Protection

Through these works, she seeks to inspire women to pursue leadership positions and to close the persistent gender gap in corporate environments.

Personal Life

While Paula Santilli is a highly visible corporate executive, she maintains privacy regarding her personal life. However, she has openly acknowledged the importance of her family’s support throughout her career:

She is married and credits her husband for supporting her professional journey, especially during international relocations.
She has two sons, whom she often refers to with pride as young adults building their own paths.

Her story demonstrates the balance of global leadership with family life, reinforcing her authenticity as both a leader and a mother.

Legacy and Impact

Driving PepsiCo’s Growth

Santilli’s impact on PepsiCo Latin America goes beyond revenue figures. Her leadership has:

Expanded PepsiCo’s sustainability practices in the region.
Strengthened economic empowerment for communities.
Built resilient supply chains across emerging markets.
Elevated PepsiCo’s standing as one of the most influential companies in Latin America.

Inspiring Women Leaders

By breaking barriers in a historically male-dominated industry, Santilli has become a symbol of possibility for women leaders in Latin America and beyond. Her books, speeches, and mentorship initiatives continue to inspire women to pursue executive roles with confidence and resilience.

Conclusion

Paula Santilli is more than just the CEO of PepsiCo Latin America Foods; she is a visionary leader shaping the future of global business. With a career that spans 30 years, her journey from Buenos Aires to Mexico City embodies persistence, adaptability, and passion for inclusive growth. She has not only steered PepsiCo to greater financial and social success but also emerged as a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and diversity.

Her story is one of leadership with purpose—a reminder that global corporations can drive positive change when guided by strong values. In the years to come, Paula Santilli will undoubtedly remain a central figure in both Latin American and international business leadership.

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