Paula Santilli, PepsiCo Latin America Foods’ visionary CEO

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Paula Santilli is one of the most recognizable names in the world of global business leadership. Santilli has established a stellar career in the fast-moving consumer goods sector over the course of more than three decades as the CEO of PepsiCo Latin America Foods. She is well-known for her dedication to gender equality, inclusive growth, and sustainable business practices. She is a strong corporate leader and an inspiration to female executives everywhere. Her career, leadership philosophy, accomplishments, and personal values that define her are all thoroughly examined in this article.

Childhood and Schooling

History and Upbringing

Born and reared in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Paula Santilli’s career goals started to take shape there. She immediately demonstrated an innate interest in leadership, marketing, and communications—skills that would eventually lead her into some of the most significant positions in Latin American business.

Foundations of Academics

Santilli attended Universidad del Salvador in Argentina to complete her undergraduate studies in Communications and Advertising Sciences. She later pursued postgraduate studies in Marketing and International Studies at Miami University in Ohio, USA, to bolster her knowledge and global outlook. She was able to lead diverse teams and navigate global markets thanks to her combination of Latin American ancestry and American academic training.

Early Professional Life

Initial Actions in Consumer Products

Paula Santilli established her marketing and brand management skills at two significant international corporations before her lengthy employment at PepsiCo:

She started her career managing marketing campaigns in Argentina for Campbell’s Soup Company (1989–1990).

At Kellogg’s (1990–1992), she strengthened her understanding of Latin American markets while broadening her skill set in consumer marketing and product management.

Her future at PepsiCo was paved with these experiences, which exposed her to both local and international brand strategies at an early age.

Years of Quaker Oats

Santilli joined Quaker Oats in Argentina in 1992. She advanced through the ranks over the following ten years to manage well-known brands like Quaker Foods and Gatorade while serving as the Country General Manager for Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. Santilli formally joined PepsiCo’s leadership pipeline in 2001 when the company purchased Quaker Oats.

The PepsiCo Journey

An increase in leadership

Santilli has worked for PepsiCo for more than 25 years, during which time he has steadily advanced through the leadership ranks in Latin America:

From 2009 to 2011, the president of PepsiCo Mexico Beverages oversaw one of the business’s most competitive divisions.

From 2011 to 2016, I served as the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Savory Snacks, where I was in charge of popular Mexican brands like Cheetos, Doritos, Ruffles, and Sabritas.

COO, PepsiCo Mexico Foods (2016–2017): Shaped manufacturing, marketing, and sales by providing operational leadership across several units.

From 2017 to 2019, the president of PepsiCo Mexico Foods oversaw one of the biggest food companies in Latin America, which employed over 41,000 people and had 17 production facilities and over $4 billion in sales.

PepsiCo Latin America CEO

Paula Santilli was appointed CEO of PepsiCo Latin America in May 2019, assuming complete P&L accountability for a $7 billion revenue-generating region. More than 70,000 people work for PepsiCo Latin America under her direction, which also runs 40+ production facilities and oversees 24,000+ sales channels in 34 emerging and developing markets, including important hubs like Mexico and Brazil.

Her position changed to CEO of PepsiCo Latin America Foods by January 2025, demonstrating PepsiCo’s ongoing dedication to growing its food business under her direction.

Leadership Philosophy

Dedication to Inclusion and Diversity

Within PepsiCo and the larger business community, Santilli is a fervent supporter of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She actively participates in PepsiCo’s Executive Women Committee and has represented the company in regional and international forums on gender equity. Additionally, she is an ambassador for the Vive Mujer Program, which offers networking opportunities, training, and mentorship to women throughout the organization.

Leadership Focused on People

Her guiding principles are inclusive growth, community building, and employee empowerment. According to her, companies prosper when they generate value that is shared by society, workers, and customers.

Honors and Awards

Paula Santilli has continuously been acknowledged as one of the most influential women in international business throughout her career:

Forbes’ list of the most powerful women in the world (2019, 2020, 2023, 2024).

Fortune’s International List of the Most Powerful Women (2019, 2020, 2023, 2024).

The Americas Society/Council of the Americas presented the BRAVO Visionary Leadership Award in 2024.

The 2024 Moves Nexus Power Women Award honors female leaders around the world.

The Wall Street Journal named her one of the Top Corporate Board Directors (2025) for her work on the Home Depot board.

The Women Economic Forum’s 2020 Exceptional Women of Excellence report.

Top Voices in Latin America on LinkedIn (2019).

Her position as a corporate leader and an advocate for women’s empowerment is highlighted by these honors.

Publications and Leadership in Thought

Author and activist Santilli is a co-author of multiple books that highlight Latin American women’s leadership and empowerment, such as:

Poder de Poder. Women Building Latin America

Empowering Her, Empowering You

A Woman’s Handbook on Protection, Presence, and Power

She hopes to close the gender gap that still exists in corporate settings and encourage women to seek leadership roles through these pieces.

Individual Life

Despite being a well-known business leader, Paula Santilli keeps her personal life private. Nonetheless, she has publicly recognized the value of her family’s assistance throughout her professional life:

She is married and attributes her career support, particularly during overseas moves, to her husband.

She proudly describes her two sons as young adults pursuing their own goals.

Her narrative highlights her authenticity as a mother and a leader by illuminating the harmony between global leadership and family life.

Impact and Legacy

Fueling PepsiCo’s Development

Santilli’s influence on PepsiCo Latin America extends beyond financial results. Under her direction, she has:

Expanded PepsiCo’s regional sustainability initiatives.

Increased community economic empowerment.

Constructed robust supply networks in developing nations.

Improved PepsiCo’s reputation as one of Latin America’s most significant corporations.

Motivating Female Leaders

Santilli has become a symbol of hope for female leaders in Latin America and beyond by shattering stereotypes in a traditionally male-dominated field. Women are still encouraged to pursue executive positions with resilience and confidence by her books, speeches, and mentoring programs.

In conclusion

In addition to being the CEO of PepsiCo Latin America Foods, Paula Santilli is a trailblazing executive influencing the direction of international trade. Her 30-year career journey from Buenos Aires to Mexico City is a testament to tenacity, flexibility, and a desire for inclusive development. In addition to leading PepsiCo to increased financial and social success, she has become a vocal supporter of diversity and women’s empowerment.

Her story serves as a reminder that, when led by strong values, multinational corporations can effect positive change. It is a story of purposeful leadership. Paula Santilli will surely continue to play a significant role in the leadership of Latin American and global business in the years to come.

FAQs

How old is Paula Santilli?

Paula Santilli was born in 1963, which makes her around 60 years old.

Who is the CEO of PepsiCo Latin America?

Paula Santilli is the CEO of PepsiCo Latin America. She leads operations across the region, focusing on growth and innovation.

What is the Pepsi CEO’s salary?

PepsiCo’s global CEO, Ramon Laguarta, earned about $28 million in total compensation in 2022, according to company filings.

Who is the biggest owner of PepsiCo?

PepsiCo’s largest shareholders are major institutional investors like Vanguard Group and BlackRock, which hold significant stakes through mutual funds.