Name: PepsiCo Beverages US CMO on Evolving Social Strategy and 'Modern Soda'
Uploaded: 2026-06-25T16:00:00Z
Duration: 3 min 4 s
Description: PepsiCo Beverages US CMO Mark Kirkham credits a focus on organic social media with helping drive the brand's engagement to a 20-year high. Working with VaynerMedia, the company has increased its content output fivefold. Kirkham says the approach requires trusting internal teams and allowing social media algorithms to determine what resonates.

https://www.barrons.com/client

"There's a bigger market, less competition," H. Cabot Lodge III, founder and senior managing director of Lodge Quai Capital Management, told Barron's editor at large Andy Serwer.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260625/67379068-8acb-4d90-ac5b-002cffa69b67/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Why This Investing Pro Is Looking to Europe

As fast-changing markets continue to push for innovation, Lucien Boldea, CEO of Timken, discusses how he’s balancing tradition with evolving the company.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260618/f2df66eb-5814-4620-b0df-6fdd6a5cb669/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

How This CEO Is Leading a Company’s Legacy Into the Future

Lucien Boldea, CEO of Timken, discusses how the company is benefiting from growth in sectors like robotics, infrastructure, and power generation.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260618/ae2598bd-e479-4259-b91e-3899f172d107/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

AI Is Transforming Industries. This Company Reaping the Benefits.

Lucian Boldea, CEO of Timken, spoke about the artificial intelligence, the economy, acquisitions, and much more with Barron's editor at large Andy Serwer.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260618/7229ee9c-a600-45cf-8f58-4043b8951cb6/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

A CEO Explains How AI Impacts the Physical World

Bruce Flatt, CEO of Brookfield Corporation, says these investments “will drive one of the most productive operating periods in the history of the world.” This interview was filmed on June 9, 2026.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260612/03f362e4-07b8-4830-939d-5180295d15ec/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Investing Opportunities in AI and the Productivity Boom

Howard Marks, co-chairman of Oaktree Capital Management weighs in on current market conditions for investors. This interview was filmed on June 9, 2026.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260612/99665dea-069a-4380-ab6f-990a4d2da071/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

How Rising Optimism Is Supporting Credit Markets and IPOs Like SpaceX

Bruce Flatt, CEO of Brookfield Corporation, and Howard Marks, co-chairman of Oaktree Capital Management, spoke with Barron's editor at large Andy Serwer. This interview was filmed on June 9, 2026.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260612/80391bfe-afe2-41c4-8fc5-bf9b8c3d5fd5/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Catching Up With Power Investors Howard Marks and Bruce Flatt

Kyle Clark, CEO of BETA Technologies, spoke about the company's electric vertical takeoff and landing, or eVTOL, aircraft in a conversation with Barron's editor at large Andy Serwer.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260604/6aef5837-89d7-4bce-ac6d-2756973b5b9f/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

This Company Is On a Mission to 'Transform Aviation,' CEO Says

At Barron's

"Your 9-5...is just not going to do it," Nick Magguilli, personal finance expert, said on Barron's Streetwise podcast.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20251216/e6897805-d131-4cc4-9c59-ca03b0c0b958/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

How to Scale Your Net Worth

TJ Thornton, Head of Global Research Product Marketing at BofA Securities, talks to Jack Hough about his favorite stocks outside of AI.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20251210/f9c1a95c-5a0e-4349-9fe4-73b3ac53bfb8/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

BofA’s Favorite Non-AI Stocks

Jack Hough talks to TJ Thornton, Head of Global Research Product Marketing at BofA Securities about diversifying stocks to hedge AI risks.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20251210/8e164ff7-1500-4c2f-8713-e891c640a0f4/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Evaluating Investing Opportunities Beyond AI

Steve Quirk, chief brokerage officer at Robinhood, breaks down the value of tokenizing stocks in different markets.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20251126/f86d65ea-bd8b-4777-b6b0-80f7bb12027e/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Unpacking Tokenization for Everyday Investors

Jack Hough talks to Steve Quirk, chief brokerage officer at Robinhood, about trends in retail investing.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20251126/a9cbdcc6-f060-4fc9-a15e-396924e25946/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

How Robinhood Reshaped the Trading Landscape for an Entire Generation

Streetwise host Jack Hough sat down with strategist Scott Wren to discuss how the AI-fueled market run stacks up against the dot-com boom.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20251111/bd2e1a5b-1a6e-4543-8133-dcc63f69b5dc/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

AI vs. The Dot Com Bubble

Bank of America’s Haim Israel shares what’s next for Nuclear Energy development.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20250930/ab4fc336-af44-4af2-8e40-9ae6f04a445e/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

The Outlook For Nuclear

Jack talks to Lyft CEO David Risher about growth potential in the company.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20250929/ae62b70e-912b-4ce7-ae63-1b2652628bae/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Lyft's Ride to Profit

The stock market is expensive. What does that mean for your portfolio? Jack sits down with Franklin Templeton’s Matt Quinlan to talk dividend investing, and whether it’s a good move in a pricey market.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20250911/9c85e132-d710-4458-9467-aa69d4f25ae0/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Dividends and Capital Appreciation

Barron's Streetwise

Having scale helps firms reinvest in the people, processes, and technology necessary to deliver superior client outcomes, Mike LaMena, the CEO of Wealthspire, tells Greg Bartalos, Editor-in-Chief of Barron’s Wealth & Asset Management Group.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260623/a82b8dbb-7bdd-405d-98b1-1d46d9002990/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Beyond AUM: The True Value of Scale for Advisory Firms

Interviews with top wealth management professionals about topics including compensation, hiring, marketing, next-gen, and more.

RIAs that are looking to sell should start the process early, and ideally when the business is thriving, to maximize leverage and options, says Shirl Penney, the CEO of Dynasty Financial Partners.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260526/d766a2a1-3884-4be6-9190-7a76f5d09f0e/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

‘The Best Time to Sell Is When You Don't Have to.’

“Begin with the end in mind and be really clear about what it is that you want and what it is that you don't,” Shirl Penney, the CEO of Dynasty Financial Partners, tells Greg Bartalos, Editor-in-Chief of Barron’s Wealth & Asset Management Group.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260526/6306bad1-ec7d-4a82-a855-871a2a8af24a/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

RIA Sellers Need to Be Specific About Their Goals 

Raise capital, be prepared for onboarding, and have a dedicated team of experienced investment bankers in place, advises Shirl Penney, the CEO of Dynasty Financial Partners.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260526/dced3678-98a2-4e00-9486-3aa9f461ab0e/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

3 Things Buyers of RIAs Should Do Ahead of Any Deal

Shirl Penney, the CEO of Dynasty Financial Partners, says that acquirers should prepare a roadshow deck and be extremely clear about the type of cultural fit, advisor, and end client they want.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260526/57147b82-97fe-4b2a-9c75-57453cce1f09/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Looking to Buy an RIA? Don’t Ignore These 2 Key Steps.

Envestnet CEO Chris Todd describes how advisors can tailor their messages for clients in different generations.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260513/e295d300-763f-4018-b2e9-3bb99a1e4990/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

How AI and Data Can Help Advisors Start Client Conversations

AI is helping advisors grow assets by analyzing client portfolios and suggesting specific "next best actions," such as identifying tax, portfolio drift, or managed account opportunities, says Envestnet CEO Chris Todd.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260512/0b649d32-dd24-4c27-8cf9-b0504ce3a9a4/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

AI Is Boosting Organic Growth for Advisors

CEO Chris Todd explains how the company is providing core technology to RIAs and broker dealers while building infrastructure to meet future advisor needs in areas like alternative investments and digital currencies.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260512/06d41382-0347-4765-b253-994badc172a3/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Envestnet’s ‘Bullseye’ Strategic Approach  

CEO Chris Todd says the company is using AI to increase internal productivity and leveraging its large data set to provide "investment data insights" to help advisors manage client portfolios.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260513/4207fb3b-4df7-43b2-8c1e-32d3cb75967f/3/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

How Envestnet Is Harnessing AI and Data 

Barron's Advisor The Way Forward

A “willingness to roll up your sleeves and understand the issues that your clients are facing, not just from an investment perspective,” is common among the industry’s most successful, says Kelly Gaur, a Mercer Advisors regional vice president.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260319/318adb2f-a888-4f30-b182-c791e27f98ab/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Best Advice for Someone Considering Wealth Management as a Career

Kelly Gaur, a Mercer Advisors regional vice president, says she was drawn to working for a registered investment advisor partly because they generally offer a more personalized, modern approach to wealth management.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260318/5575e9ca-0b48-4fb9-8e43-82aae1b3e3fc/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

The Appeal of Working for an RIA

“The best client development professionals are those who have served clients in some capacity,” says Kelly Gaur, a Mercer Advisors regional vice president.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260318/c1638929-6b21-4573-9deb-4f78e1ffa1d7/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Client-Facing Experience Can Help Advance Your Career

The Mercer Advisors regional vice president discusses her business development role and tips for breaking into the industry and gaining valuable experience in a non-advisory capacity.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260318/f2c2c9a5-cb67-4167-a48b-7fe4a9285615/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Kelly Gaur: Tips for Pursuing Non-Advisor Roles in Wealth Management

“You want to make sure that everybody's excited and prepared and that you're all pulling the rope in the same direction,” says Nate Fisher, managing director and wealth advisor at Carson Wealth.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260305/20285ef5-c115-435f-9291-e4f2d5b166a9/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

A Successful Transition Requires Honesty and a ‘Heavy Lift’

Young advisors considering a succession plan should maximize engagement with clients because “it can take a long time to gain that trust and build those relationships,” says Nate Fisher, managing director and wealth advisor at Carson Wealth.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260305/236fdaa2-5acb-48e9-b16d-e20b58846487/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Succession Planning and Establishing Trust With Clients

The Carson Wealth managing director and wealth advisor says his decision to partner with the firm was driven by the need for increased capacity for holistic services and a clear succession plan for his retiring father.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260305/33bb1217-c8be-4358-ba17-6238cbab6fa1/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Nate Fisher: Lessons Learned From a Successful Partnership

As trust grows, advisors tend to spend less time discussing investments and more time on clients’ families and well-being, says Nate Fisher, managing director and wealth advisor at Carson Wealth.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260305/d2d3903a-994f-4ae7-82be-706929930b3d/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Trusted Advisors Focus Less on Investments, More on Clients' Lives 

Serving tech founders is a full-time, long-term effort that often requires significant upfront work before a successful, revenue-generating relationship is established, says Katie Partridge, a Morgan Stanley private wealth advisor.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260219/abc63bad-4c7a-474b-b4a8-b4feae461375/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Landing Founders as Clients Requires Patience and Hard Work

Barron's Advisor Next Generation

Government policy shapes retirement regardless of savings or lifespan. With Social Security's trust fund facing a 2033 shortfall, what fixes are coming? Our experts discuss policy shifts and how to budget your benefits.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260410/aea80278-298b-458e-8bcd-f378796d6328/2/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

What's Next for Social Security?

Stocks swoop and soar as investors weigh AI hype against rate-cut "tea leaves." Our panelists explain how to drown out the noise, chart your own winning path,and identify investments that offer true long-term rewards.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260410/586aecf7-117b-4f3e-86f0-6869d907e671/2/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Riding the Market Roller Coaster

The capture of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro and Middle East tensions are reshaping oil supply expectations. The U.S. is intervening in energy markets in decades-unseen ways. Experts break down what’s next for oil, gas and energy stocks.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260212/9779ec13-602a-4a38-bb73-495ff464a24f/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Oil and Gas in a Volatile World

For the first time in decades, U.S. power demand is rising - driven by AI data centers, EVs and electrification. Utility and clean-energy stocks are climbing, but costly buildouts threaten affordability. We explore what’s next for the power trade.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260212/81a81fdd-47b4-44f6-93d1-7597a7fab032/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

The Gold Rush in Electricity

Will Nvidia and other technology companies keep powering the stock market in 2026? We'll speak with two veteran money managers about their views on tech and their favorite stocks for the coming year.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20251212/5683d7a0-ed1f-4e3c-b913-bb3367ea3abd/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Finding Bargains in a Pricey Market

Explore what could go right for investors, and what could go wrong, in a year that will see the AI trade evolve, the Fed's leadership change, and global competition for resources increase in this 2026 Outlook.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20251212/573f5954-c4ab-43e9-804d-f1ea93fbb70c/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Meeting the Challenge

Stocks are expensive, risks abound, and AI is about to change the world. Other than that, building a calamity-proof retirement portfolio should be a cinch. Tune in as two veteran money managers size up the markets and share their investment ideas.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20250211/17a5e7d6-7c36-44b0-a35e-bf5ac3a24194/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Saving for a Sunny Day

Research shows that people greatly underestimate the healthcare costs they’ll face in retirement. Learn from experts how to estimate those costs, prepare for potential long-term care needs, and manage healthcare expenses in retirement.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20250211/e7c022d9-badf-4e95-8e7c-0b6fce9f7823/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Are You Fiscally Fit?

Surging power demand, new energy sources, and growing competition have spurred the utility industry to become more innovative than ever before. Our panelists will unpack the changes afoot and explore what lies ahead for companies, customers, and investors.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20240917/001ea098-1fcc-4da5-9f0e-a3b149bbb2fb/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Not Your Father's Utility

Barron's Roundtable

Whether you're leading a transition, building a scalable team, or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, this episode will give you practical insights to lead smarter and grow stronger.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20251010/fd26d60b-d1e6-409b-b51b-101da4aaa368/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Next-Gen Leadership Meets Smart Innovation

Electric vehicles sales are growing but not at the pace some expected. Some would-be buyers worry about the range of EV charging, and others are swayed by politics. But innovators from Detroit to Silicon Valley still envision a dramatic shift in how we get around. What’s going on and what’s next?

https://m.wsj.net/video/20240603/5784fa60-791c-47ad-9740-42e4553de5c4/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Forces Shaping EV Adoption and the Future of Driving

Success in improving the power grid to accommodate the electricity demands of the future will be a boon for companies doing the work and utilities that succeed. Explore the investing risks and opportunities.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20240522/2b825c69-2687-4d88-923b-0c8f523a2f67/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

How to Invest in Initiatives to Bolster the Power Grid

Joanna Rotenberg, Fidelity's president of personal investing, discusses ways to make investing more accessible and how to bolster your own financial security.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20231025/8ad733df-ac90-41fd-9655-7761b3e0532c/2/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Mind the Gap: Demystifying Investing

Reshma Kapadia sits down with Cozy Wittman of College Inside Track to discuss how to tackle all things college, from what admission officers are seeking today, to navigating the different ways to funding higher education and evaluating the ROIs.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20230515/b7229011-05cc-42ec-9c16-1d7752ec668d/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Decoding the College Search and Financing Puzzle

Nicole Webb, financial advisor and SVP at Wealth Enhancement Group, shares ways to navigate the real estate market this spring whether you are a first-time buyer, a retiree downsizing or someone who is relocating or looking for a second home.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20230424/93eb00e1-caf0-4e83-9fc7-b502a57dc546/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Pro Tips on Buying and Selling a Home

Reggie Fils-Aimé, former president and COO of Nintendo of America, joins Barron's deputy editor Alex Eule to discuss his unlikely rise to the top, and the risks he took once there to beat the odds and achieve success.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20220630/61e2296d-ab1a-4216-ae65-24676447c616/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

How Nintendo's Former President Disrupted the Gaming Industry

2050 Wealth Planners co-CEO Lazetta Rainey Braxton, Sequoia Financial Planners vice president Elizabeth Scheiderer, and MoneyZen founder Manisha Thakor offer tips on how to prepare for recession, inflation, caregiving needs.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20220617/a71025ce-518b-49b9-b098-21417863f8ce/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Financial Advice for the Inflation-Weary

Families and advisors have a lot to navigate when it comes to generational wealth transfer. Add sustainable investing to the list. Examine strategies to help close the generational divide. From the Dow Jones Energy & Sustainability event series.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20230210/85cbf3f9-b5ab-4bfa-93c6-f8e8a247d386/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Sustainable Investing and the Wealth Transfer

Barron's Events

Level Up

Barron's Explains

Back to Business

Great Investors

MarketWatch

Video Center - Barron's home

PepsiCo Beverages US CMO Mark Kirkham credits a focus on organic social media with helping drive the brand's engagement to a 20-year high. Working with VaynerMedia, the company has increased its content output fivefold. Kirkham says the approach requires trusting internal teams and allowing social media algorithms to determine what resonates. Photo: WSJ Leadership Institute

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260625/82de9e07-d063-4b6c-aeaa-d7054347a78e/3/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

PepsiCo Beverages US CMO Mark Kirkham credits a focus on organic social media with helping drive the brand's engagement to a 20-year high. Working with VaynerMedia, the company has increased its content output fivefold. Kirkham says the approach requires trusting internal teams and allowing social media algorithms to determine what resonates.

PepsiCo Beverages US CMO on Evolving Social Strategy and 'Modern Soda'

So joining me today is Mark Kirkham. He's the CMO at Pepsi, a brand we all know. So Mark, let's talk about how historically, Pepsi has used music, sports, and entertainment to build its brand. How are you thinking about that as the brand evolves?

You know what's interesting is that, yeah, music, sport, culture has always been part of our DNA, but, you know, one of the things we've learned is that one of the biggest occasions for us is, you know, with meals. So what we've really focused in is this concept of food deserves Pepsi, but bringing culture and sport together with it. So right now, in the middle of the big soccer event that's happening in the US, we're celebrating the tailgating.

The World Cup?

Yes. And we're celebrating tailgating. We're celebrating people and cultures coming together. And we did that with the NFL. And so how we weave culture, music, sports, entertainment into everyday occasions is actually how Pepsi continues to stay relevant.

Well, I was gonna ask you that, because how are you staying relevant with the younger generation, particularly when you think that the creator track has become a thing, right? I mean, the tools have evolved, although the strategy may still be the same.

Absolutely. We've evolved much of our marketing mix. If we think about, yes, live sport continues to be critical, but organic social has been one of the biggest drivers our engagement. Our equities are the highest they've been in the last 20 years, and the reason being is that we're engaging on a more regular basis through a partnership that we have with Vayner, what we call the blender. And we bring everything together in terms of five times as much content, pushing out hundreds of pieces every month, and ensuring that consumers are engaging on a regular basis. We also do this through innovation. If you look at the Pepsi Prebiotic we launched last year, it's a way to actually bring new consumers in. In fact, if you look at the data from Walmart and Kroger, almost 50% of those buying the product haven't bought a Pepsi in the last year. So we're bringing in new consumers, we're engaging them in new ways, but we're still doing it in a way that is, you know, ultimately Pepsi.

So Gary says that you have to create enormous amounts of content and not worry about it being messy. Usually corporations, that makes them nervous. How have you gotten the organization over that muscle?

You know, first it's about a lot of trust. You have to trust your team, you have to trust the process, you have to trust the consumer. And what is relevant from an organic standpoint, the algorithm will tell you whether it's good or not, and then you can boost it if you want. So, you know, Gary's right. You need to create as much as you can and actually tell as many relevant stories as you can. And it's not the same marketing mix that you had in the years past.

Tell me about the acquisition of Poppi. What does that mean for the sector, and also for Pepsi?

Look, I think it was a big, it was a big statement for modern soda, as we call it. For us, it was a great opportunity to actually extend the portfolio into new spaces. I mean, we continue to evolve our portfolio, whether it's through no sugar, whether it's through modern soda, whether it's through hydration. And Poppi as a brand has built something really special over the last five years. And now with the strength of our system, we can really, really take it that much step further, particularly as you look at colleges and universities, the away from home channel, and continuing to drive relevance at retail.

Well, thank you so much for joining us. This was a quick run-through.

Oh, thank you so much.

But we're gonna have you back at the summit.

I'll see you soon.

Okay.