Keurig Dr Pepper, a leading soda and coffee giant, has recently appointed Anthony DiSilvestro as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This move comes as the company prepares to close its JDE Peet’s acquisition and split into two separate beverage companies. DiSilvestro, who previously worked at Mattel, brings valuable M&A experience to the table, making him well-suited for the integration of Peet’s and the upcoming business split.
The former CFO, Sudhanshu Priyadarshi, will remain in an advisory role until April 7, 2026, after which he will depart from the company. Priyadarshi was initially set to become the CEO of Keurig Dr Pepper’s coffee spinoff, but plans changed, leading to a search for a new candidate for the role.
DiSilvestro steps into his CFO role at a critical time for Keurig Dr Pepper, as the company faces investor pushback over its decision to separate its coffee and beverage businesses. Following the announcement of the split, the company’s valuation dropped by $11 billion, prompting concerns about the mechanics of the separation and the increase in debt. To finance the $18 billion deal, Keurig Dr Pepper secured $7 billion from private equity firms, with the acquisition expected to close in the first half of 2026.
In addition to DiSilvestro’s appointment, the company also announced other changes to its financial leadership roles to better prepare for the split. George Lagoudakis will serve as the deputy CFO, responsible for the separation and establishment of the new beverage business, while Jane Gelfand will oversee strategic finance and capital markets.
DiSilvestro’s experience at Mattel and Campbell Soup Company, where he served as CFO from 2014 to 2019, makes him a valuable addition to Keurig Dr Pepper. During his time at Campbell’s, he oversaw major transactions that positioned the company in better-for-you categories, showcasing his expertise in the food and beverage industry.
CEO Tim Cofer expressed confidence in DiSilvestro’s abilities, noting his forward-thinking approach and significant M&A experience. With DiSilvestro at the helm, Keurig Dr Pepper aims to sustain its business momentum and successfully navigate the integration of JDE Peet’s, ultimately creating two successful beverage companies.
