Driving greater efficiency in decision-making and execution at PepsiCo

The Takeaways:

1. Dr. Kanioura has structured the organization into four pillars: corporate strategy, transformation group, digital group, and data analytics and AI. This structure enables end-to-end transformation that ensures the company can transform while performing.

2. PepsiCo has made significant strides in embedding data analytics into planning and decision-making, with investments in cloud, modernization, and operationalization. Dr. Kanioura advised having a prioritization framework, being thoughtful about the number of initiatives, embedding change management from day zero, and embedding service design principles in business priorities.

3. Integrated Business Planning (IBP) is generating excitement at PepsiCo, as it creates a single source of truth and brings together cross-functional teams for integrated planning. Dr. Kanioura believes that IBP is a growth engine that allows everyone to collaborate under one orchestration layer.

4. By leveraging the o9 platform, PepsiCo is building a capability that embeds ESG metrics into the IBP process, incorporating ESG metrics into planners’ workflows with visibility into the trade-offs and ensuring the company can hit top and bottom-line commitments while delivering against its ESG targets.

5. To address the challenges of digital transformation, Dr. Kanioura recommends starting with the team, effectively communicating the change, upskilling employees, and having a diverse workforce. PepsiCo has established a Digital Academy that provides mandatory training to all employees on the basics of transformation and offers additional training and certification based on employees’ areas of expertise.