International Business Machines (IBM) has elected Ramon L. Laguarta to its board of directors, expanding the company’s outside leadership bench as it continues to position itself for long-term growth and governance oversight. The appointment takes effect March 1, 2026, and adds a seasoned global operator from the consumer and supply chain-intensive world to IBM’s boardroom.
Laguarta, 62, is chairman and chief executive officer of PepsiCo, where he has led the company since 2018 through what it describes as a broad portfolio and cultural transformation. IBM framed the move as a strategic board addition aimed at strengthening oversight and decision-making as the company executes on its priorities across technology modernization, enterprise transformation, and value creation for shareholders.
IBM chairman, president, and CEO Arvind Krishna said Laguarta’s experience leading large organizations through transformation and scaling technology enterprise-wide aligns with what IBM wants on its board as it navigates ongoing shifts in the market and customer demand. Laguarta will join IBM’s Directors and Corporate Governance Committee, placing him directly within the board structure that shapes director oversight, governance practices, and the board’s ongoing composition.
At PepsiCo, IBM pointed to Laguarta’s role in building what it called a growth-driven, best-in-class organization, including an end-to-end strategic agenda that emphasized scaling technology across the enterprise and driving long-term value. His background spans corporate strategy and major international operating roles. Before becoming CEO, he served as PepsiCo’s president and held senior leadership positions across developing markets in Europe, along with serving as CEO of Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa. He also serves as a board member of the Business Roundtable.
Born and raised in Barcelona, Laguarta holds an MBA from ESADE Business School and a Master of Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management. IBM’s announcement emphasized that the combination of leadership experience, global operating perspective, and track record managing technology-led transformation at scale was central to the board’s decision.
KEY QUOTE:
“We are pleased to have Ramon Laguarta join the IBM board of directors. Ramon’s background, expertise and proven track record of leveraging technology to transform large organizations make him an ideal director to help steward IBM and deliver significant value to our shareholders.”
Arvind Krishna, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, IBM
