11/20/2024

Keurig Dr Pepper’s CIO on Building a Future-ready Beverage Giant

As with any big merger, this six-year-old one was complex

John Gigerich, chief information officer (CIO) of Keurig Dr Pepper, oversees a vast IT landscape supporting a $15 billion revenue company with around 28,000 employees across the U.S. and international markets. In reflecting on the company’s offering and reach, Gigerich said, “We are a complete beverage company."

He further explained that the company’s products are omnipresent across food and beverage outlets, from restaurants to airplanes. The integration has been pivotal in expanding Keurig Dr Pepper’s reach, as the company now boasts over 45 million households with Keurig brewers together with the legacy of the oldest major soda brand, dating back to 1885. The integration of those companies began in 2018, and it presented a remarkable task and set of opportunities for Gigerich and team.

Navigating the Merger: From Infrastructure to Cybersecurity

Gigerich joined Keurig just before its merger with Dr Pepper Snapple Group in July 2018. As a result, six months into his tenure, he faced the initial challenge of bringing the IT infrastructures of both companies into alignment. “As with any big merger like this, there was loads to do,” he said, explaining that essential tasks included integrating email and network systems, aligning cybersecurity and unifying corporate applications, were among the first priorities. The process, though seemingly mundane, was foundational for driving forward operational stability.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Forbes.