KDRP Canada names leadership team for major business split
Keurig Dr Pepper Canada is taking its next major step toward dividing its coffee and refreshment beverage divisions into two independent companies. Keurig Canada ULC and Canada Dry Mott’s Inc., which operate together as KDP Canada, have named the two senior executives who will take the reins.
The move establishes two purpose-built organizations designed to pursue distinct growth agendas with sharper focus, agility and strategic clarity. For Canadian convenience store operators, beverage manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers watching brand supply and partner networks, the announcement lays out who will guide the future Canadian portfolios.
Iannick Melançon has been named general manager to oversee the Canadian operations for the future Global Coffee Co. Ryan Bahadur will serve as general manager for Canada and Europe, taking charge of Beverage Co. across both regions.
Until the separation is completed in 2027, both executives will stay focused on delivering current business priorities and operational performance at KDP Canada, while simultaneously building out the frameworks for the two stand-alone firms.
New leadership for Global Coffee Co. in Canada
Melançon arrives with more than 25 years of consumer goods experience spanning Canada, Europe and international markets. Most recently, he worked as senior vice-president of customer and commercial at Danone Canada as an executive committee member. His previous background includes roles at PepsiCo Canada and S.C. Johnson & Son before his tenure at Danone began in 2007.
At Global Coffee Co., Melançon takes charge as the Canadian organization prepares to combine KDP’s single-serve coffee platforms and innovation with the global scale, category expertise and nearly 300-year heritage of JDE Peet's.
In Canada, Melançon plans to use those combined assets to speed up innovation, bolster category leadership and expand a portfolio that covers diverse segments, retail channels and price points.
Melançon noted that Canada maintains a strong coffee culture backed by an incredible brand lineup and a talented team, adding that he looks forward to working closely with employees, retail customers and supply partners as the coffee business prepares for the future.
READ: Keurig Dr Pepper split points to big shift for Canadian beverage aisles
Meet the senior executives who will take the reins for Beverage Co. and Global Coffee Co.
Continuity for Beverage Co. across Canada and Europe
Bahadur steps into the helm of Beverage Co. with more than 30 years of business leadership background, including nearly a decade within KDP Canada. Having served as vice-president of finance and IT, as well as interim president over the past year, he has guided the organization through significant internal transformation with a focus on disciplined execution and performance.
In his new post, Bahadur will oversee teams and operations across Canada and Europe, leaning on existing operational foundations to build market momentum in the refreshment beverage sector.
Bahadur said Beverage Co. enters the transition from a position of strength, supported by established and emerging brands. “We know where we can win, and I’m energized by the opportunity to create an organization with the agility and competitive mindset to go after it,” said Bahadur, emphasizing that the overarching goal is to turn those strengths into faster decision-making and greater market impact across Canadian and European territories.
Maintaining performance ahead of 2027 separation
Across the Canadian convenience and retail landscape, KDP Canada currently manages a portfolio of more than 70 owned, licensed and partner brands, supported by extensive distribution capabilities. Its holdings include market-leading positions in coffee, tea, soft drinks, juice and mixers, alongside the country's top single-serve coffee brewing system.
The business also runs an innovative partnership model that drives growth in categories such as premium coffee, energy, sports hydration and non-alcoholic beer. Iconic brands under the corporate umbrella include Canada Dry, Van Houtte, Keurig, Crush, Dr Pepper, Mott’s Clamato, Mott’s Fruitsations, Timothy’s, Atypique and Snapple.
With 1,500 employees across the country, KDP Canada will continue working toward its business targets under Melançon and Bahadur as preparations advance toward final operational separation in 2027.
