Roger Enrico
Roger Enrico | |
|---|---|
| Born | 11 November 1944 Chisholm, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Died | 1 June 2016 (aged 71) |
| Occupation | Business executive |
| Years active | 1971–2012 |
| Known for | CEO of PepsiCo; Chairman of DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc |
Roger Anthony Enrico (November 11, 1944 – June 1, 2016) was a prominent American executive recognized primarily for his extended leadership as chief executive officer of PepsiCo.
Early life
Enrico was the son of Italian immigrants and was born in the mining community of Chisholm, Minnesota located within the Mesabi Range. He received a scholarship to attend Babson College, where he pursued studies in business administration. Additionally, Enrico served in the United States Navy during the period of the Vietnam War.
Business career
His professional journey began at General Mills, where he worked as a brand manager overseeing Wheaties. In 1971, Enrico transitioned to PepsiCo to promote Funyuns, eventually taking responsibility for brands such as Cheetos and Fritos. Before ascending to CEO of PepsiCo's beverage division in 1983 at the age of 38, he managed company operations in both Japan and South America. That same year, he secured a lucrative marketing agreement with Michael Jackson, followed by an endorsement deal with Lionel Richie. Enrico was appointed CEO of Frito-Lay in 1991 and elevated to vice chairman of PepsiCo in 1994.
From 1996 until 2001, he held the position of Chairman at PepsiCo and later served as Chairman of DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc between 2004 and 2012. During his tenure at PepsiCo, Enrico was well known for his competitive business rivalry with Roberto Goizueta, then CEO of Coca-Cola.
Beyond his corporate roles, Enrico contributed as a board member for organizations including the National Geographic Society, the Environmental Defense Fund, the Solar Electric Light Fund, and the American Film Institute.
Death
At age 71, Enrico passed away on June 1, 2016, while snorkeling near the Cayman Islands, where he owned a home.
In 2023, actor Tony Shalhoub portrayed Enrico in the movie Flamin' Hot.
Memoir
The Other Guy Blinked: How Pepsi Won the Cola Wars (1986), co-written by Roger Enrico and Jesse Kornbluth, chronicles his strategic approach during PepsiCo’s competition against Coca-Cola.