Roger Enrico was one of the 20th century’s most revered and successful business leaders, serving as CEO for PepsiCo from 1996 to 2001 and as chairman for DreamWorks Animation from 2004 to 2012. Renowned for his bold strategies, charismatic leadership style, passion for creativity and excellence as well as his tireless philanthropy efforts, Roger Enrico left an indelible mark across corporate, entertainment, philanthropy and education environments alike.
From Minnesota to PepsiCo
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Enrico was born November 11th 1944 to Italian immigrants living in Chisholm Minnesota. His father worked as a foreman at an iron ore processing plant while Enrico made a modest start in life working as bottle washer and door-to-door salesperson before graduating Babson College with a major in business administration in 1965 and joining the Navy where he served in Vietnam for six years.
After returning from war, Enrico started his career at General Mills where he served as brand manager for Wheaties. Later that same year he joined PepsiCo’s snack division (Frito-Lay), initially as a marketing executive before eventually rising through its ranks to assume numerous leadership roles including leading its operations in Japan and South America.
In 1983, he assumed leadership of Pepsi-Cola USA’s beverage division PepsiCo. Under his direction, a campaign known as the “Pepsi Challenge” was implemented that challenged consumers to blind taste tests between Pepsi and its rival Coca-Cola. Michael Jackson and Madonna signed lucrative endorsement deals that helped strengthen Pepsi’s image and sales while lucrative endorsement agreements signed with pop stars helped bolster Pepsi’s image and sales. Jesse Kornbluth documented his experiences through their best seller book entitled “The Other Guy Blinked: How Pepsi Won the Cola Wars”, co-written with Jesse Kornbluth.
From PepsiCo to DreamWorks Animation
Enrico took over as CEO and chairman of PepsiCo in 1996 after Wayne Calloway had retired, overseeing its growth and diversification through acquisition of Tropicana and Quaker Oats brands as well as spinning off its restaurant division, including Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and KFC restaurants. Furthermore, Enrico focused on improving social responsibility, environmental sustainability and employee diversity – eventually retiring after 30 years of service to PepsiCo in 2001.
In 2004, he joined DreamWorks Animation as chairman of its board of directors, becoming close with Jeffrey Katzenberg – co-founder and CEO – along with helping guide its transition from private to public ownership as well as its production of hit films such as Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon. After eight years as chairman, he officially retired.
Roger Enrico: Beyond Business
Enrico was not only an accomplished businessman but was also an ardent philanthropist and educator, serving on the boards of directors for several non-profits such as National Geographic Society, Environmental Defense Fund, Solar Electric Light Fund and American Film Institute. Additionally he supported various causes relating to health, education, arts and culture.
Enrico was equally dedicated to teaching and mentoring young people. From 1999 to 2000 he served as a visiting professor of management at Yale University. Furthermore, he established scholarships at Babson College and Yale University for students from diverse backgrounds. For these efforts he received honorary degrees from several institutions such as Babson College, Yale University, Pepperdine University, and Howard University.
Roger Enrico: A True Legend
At the age of 71, Enrico passed away while snorkeling off of Cayman Islands on June 1st 2016. He is survived by Rosemary Margo and Aaron Enrico and widely mourned and lauded by both colleagues, friends, and admirers from both business and entertainment industries alike. PepsiCo’s CEO Indra Nooyi described Enrico as the true legend of their company and industry while Jeffrey Katzenberg described him as an outstanding creative strategist & brilliant tactician rolled into one person & gifted strategist and brilliant tactician combined into one individual”.
Enrico’s life story serves as an inspirational tale for anyone seeking greatness through hard work, courage, creativity, and vision. He was a visionary leader who transformed PepsiCo and DreamWorks Animation – as well as being an exceptional individual who touched countless lives along his journey to greatness. Enrico will always be remembered as one of the greatest business leaders of all time.
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