Peter K. Warren
Peter K. Warren, active in the beverage industry for almost 70 years and the man responsible for Pepsi Cola’s market entry into more than 100 countries over three decades died on Monday in Wilton Ct. He was 94.
Recognized by friends and business associates from around the world as a true beverage industry icon and an inspirational global business leader, Peter possessed the charisma and business acumen to meet the formidable challenges faced by many companies entering international markets for the first time. His cultural sensitivity and interpersonal skills enabled him to build strong and lasting partnerships wherever he planted the Pepsi flag.
Although Peter began his career with Coca Cola, he quickly moved to Pepsi in 1950 when it was still a one product company. He was promoted to President of Pepsi Cola International in 1963 after having served as VP of Marketing the previous 4 years. He ran Pepsi’s international business, later as its CEO of International, for decades as well as served on Pepsi’s Board of Directors. Upon Peter’s retirement in 1985, Pepsi enjoyed revenues in excess of $7.5 billion, employed over 137,000 employees, and marketed products in 150 countries and territories. Social responsibility and a desire to help the youth within the many countries that Pepsi entered was always a focus point of Peter’s approach. For example, in 1972 when Brazilian soccer star and “national treasure” Pele was approaching retirement, Peter signed the athlete to a global agreement to represent Pepsi while also providing a platform on which, according to Peter, “Pele could play an active role in programs aimed to service the youth through a game played in 115 countries”.
After retiring from PepsiCo in 1985, Peter continued in the beverage industry as Chairman of Monsieur Henri Wines, Ltd., (brand developer of Stolichnaya Vodka), as well as its successor company, MHW, Ltd., currently an industry leader in beverage alcohol import and distribution services.
Peter Warren grew up in New York City, “a product of the depression”, as he often commented. He enlisted in the army during World War II, leaving as a Captain seven years later at the war’s conclusion.
While developing his business career, Peter and his cherished wife, Maria, combined their love of travel with a passion for the fine arts and collecting. From travelers to collectors to Antiquarians, they established Maria and Peter Warren Antiques.” Following Maria’s death in 1991, Peter remained active in the antiques business, now joined by his beloved daughter AJ, who continues to run the business today.
Creativity, vision, charm, wit, formidable negotiation skills, and social responsibility are just a few of the attributes that come to mind when describing Peter. Aside from work and hobbies, Peter also generously supported his local community. In particular he served as a two-term President of the Wilton Historical Society.
He was also very active in supporting higher education and served as the former Chairman of the Council of Governing Boards in NY State. In that capacity he helped push legislation for affordable tuition at 110 independent colleges in the state. In 1984, Peter was awarded a Commendation for his support of secondary education by President Reagan.
Most important of all, Peter was a beloved husband, father and grandfather and uncle in a remarkable family whom he treasured dearly. Following the loss of his beloved wife Maria in 1991, Peter was able to achieve newfound happiness when he married Holly Wright in 2009. Holly brought energy, love, and devotion to their daily life in Wilton Ct.
Peter recently dealt with the loss of his daughter Carmen following her 22 year battle with cancer. He considered Carmen a true hero in every sense of the word and an inspiration to those who love life and bravely fight for every day that God allows.
In addition to his wife Holly, Peter is survived by his children: Peter and AJ Warren; former daughter-in-law Peggy Warren; grandchildren, Joshua Allen, Peter Alexander and Christopher Aiden Warren of Kalispell, MT, Downers Grove, IL and Witon, CT; son-in law Ritch Robinson of City Island, NY; sister-in-law Christina Bracho; nieces and nephews Juan, Pablo, Monica and Diana Bracho of Houston, TX and Mexico City, DF; Giles and Hugh Parker of Medford, MA and Daytona Beach, FL and Ingrid and Kirby Warren of Tuxedo Park, NY.
Services will be held on Thursday, July 17, 4:00-8:00pm at the Bouton Funeral Home, 31 W. Church St., Wilton CT, (203) 544-8461. The funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 229 Danbury Rd., on Friday, July 18 at 1:00pm with the burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 110 North St., Ridgefield, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Wilton Historical Society, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or The National Breast Cancer Fund.
For anyone who would like to attend, we will be serving “high tea” in memory of Peter–not just a dealer and a collector of English, Japanese and Chinese Period Tea Pots but also an avid tea drinker. The reception will be held after the burial at Wilton Historical Society, 224 Danbury Rd, Wilton, CT.