As an award-winning Brand Innovator and Community Activator with over 15 years of experience leading growth, marketing, and communications for impactful global brands, Carolyn Braff is building connections that advance the equitable availability of sports, movement, and physical activity around the world.
As the Culinary VP at PepsiCo Foods, Braff is focused on building robust communities through increased access to nutrition and sports. She combines her passion for community development with her expertise in brand strategy to enhance the growth of PepsiCo Foods and nourish the lives of its consumers. She guides her team to leverage the strength of North America’s largest food company, crafting innovative and delightful culinary solutions that meet consumer needs for every meal occasion.
As the former Head of Brand Strategy for Gatorade at PepsiCo, Braff elevated Gatorade’s reach and established its first-ever cause marketing platform dedicated to Equity in Sports–an initiative that partners with nonprofits to impact underrepresented communities through funds, media, products, awareness, and education.
Over the last decade, Braff has led complex cross-functional teams to drive results for the $7B Gatorade brand. And by spearheading the business focus of the DEI team and implementing robust, intentional career sessions with a 150-person marketing team, Braff is also driving internal impact for the organization.
Among her roles leading strategy, innovation, consumer engagement, and go-to-market for Gatorade’s portfolio of performance nutrition brands, she notably launched Gatorade’s first zero-sugar product, which was the fastest brand in PepsiCo history to reach $1B in sales.
Braff is fueled by a champion mindset and bringing people together around a shared goal. By advancing access to sports, movement, and physical activity, she is on a mission to progress personal well-being and community growth.
As a committed and enduring global community activator, Braff promotes confidence and wellness initiatives at Girls on the Run–Chicago and the American Cancer Society DetermiNation team. She passionately encourages empathy and actively combats hate in her role as a Next Gen Board Member of the Anti-Defamation League. And at PepsiCo, Braff advocates for Moms on the Move, an Employee Resource Group that creates a supportive environment for working mothers to connect, engage, and contribute toward meaningful change and dialogue.
With an MBA from the University of Chicago, a Bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, and numerous accolades, including a Sports Business Journal Power Player in Women’s Sports recognition, Braff is a true standout.
But what truly sets her apart is her unwavering commitment to putting people first. Her leadership style is bold and inspiring, igniting a spark in those around her and lighting the way toward progress. Through Braff’s passion for wellness and community, she leads by example, demonstrating the power of collaboration and the importance of uplifting others.
Speaking Topics
- Building community & connections that positively impact individuals and society
- How we advance the equitable access to physical activity & movement
- Lighting the way to societal progress
- Building connections among women & creating space for working mothers
