Tony Milikin Joins Keurig Dr Pepper as Chief Supply Chain Officer
Tony Milikin has joined Keurig Dr Pepper as its chief supply chain officer, replacing Fernando Cortes.
Most recently chief procurement, sustainability and circular ventures officer at Anheuser-Busch InBev, Milikin will lead KDP’s end-to-end supply chain operations, including manufacturing, procurement, logistics, warehousing, quality, environment, health and safety.
Cortes, who will remain with the company through Oct. 1, is departing the No. 56 publicly owned consumer goods company to pursue new opportunities. He has been with KDP for 18 years.
Milikin brings over three decades of supply chain operations experience, including 12 years at AB InBev. While there, he oversaw global procurement spend, leadership of 70 manufacturing facilities, and the sustainability agenda for the No. 7 consumer goods company.
He also led the development of the company’s 100+ Accelerator, a global incubator program dedicated to solving problems involving water stewardship, sustainable agriculture, climate action and the circular economy. Established in 2018, the program helped startups raise more than $200 million against its mission and counted such companies as Coca-Cola, Colgate-Palmolive and Unilever as partners.
[See also: AB InBev Develops Lighter Glass Bottle]
Prior to AB InBev, Milikin was senior VP of supply chain for Mead Westvaco and VP of procurement and logistics operations at Sealy.
The role takes effect Sept. 7, and Milikin will report to Bob Gamgort, KDP chairman and CEO.
Keurig Dr Pepper underwent a leadership restructuring last year that intended to enhance its speed-to-market and decision-making effectiveness. In announcing this most recent news, Gamgort pointed to Milikin’s experience in building teams and capabilities for future expansion.
“He will add incredible value as we move into our next phase of growth at KDP, and we look forward to having him join our executive leadership team,” he said. “Fernando has been instrumental in integrating and expanding our supply chain capabilities over the past three years and, on behalf of the KDP Leadership Team, I wish him all the best."
The company recently published its annual “Drink Well. Do Good” sustainability report, as part of which it shared it’s met the goal of manufacturing 100% of its K-Cup pods from recyclable plastic. Doing so means 90% of KDP’s packaging is recyclable or compostable, and the company has targeted 100% by 2025.
[See also: P&G Piloting Paper Fabric Care Bottle]
New goals include a commitment to responsibly source 100% of its priority inputs, including cocoa, corn and apples, as well as advancing inclusion in the supply chain by addressing barriers to entry and prosperity.
Beyond its namesake brands, Keurig Dr Pepper’s portfolio includes more than 125 owned, licensed and partner brands, such as Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Snapple, Canada Dry, Bai and Mott's. It has nearly 27,000 employees.
