Indra K. Nooyi

Soccer News: Indra Nooyi, Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, Joins the Team to Bring FIFA World Cup to United States in 2018 or 2022

According to the U.S. Soccer Federation, Indra K. Nooyi, chairman and chief executive officer of PepsiCo, has formally accepted an invitation to join the Board of Directors for the USA Bid Committee in its quest to bring the FIFA World Cup™ to the United States in 2018 or 2022.

The Indian-born leader is well known as one of the best leaders in business and for inspiring those around her to successful meet challenges.  Truly a world wide CEO, Nooyi oversees Pepsico employees in over 200 countries. 

Other members on the esteemed ‘team’ include New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, comedian Drew Carey, former boxer Oscar De La Hoya, American soccer stars Landon Donovan and Mia Hamm, Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber, former U.S. Secretary of State Dr. Henry Kissinger, director Spike Lee, actor Brad Pitt and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

“Indra Nooyi has the same gift in developing and overseeing innovative corporate strategy as she does inspiring the people around her and everyone she meets,” said Sunil Gulati, Chairman of the USA Bid Committee and President of U.S. Soccer. “It’s that kind of leadership that will be important to our efforts, and for that reason we are fortunate to welcome Indra to our team. Indra and PepsiCo are also longtime friends of U.S. Soccer so their familiarity with our mission will be extremely beneficial in the months ahead.”

PepsiCo has been a proud sponsor of MLS for 15 years with activation from Gatorade, Pepsi and Aquafina. PepsiCo is also the exclusive beverage sponsor of the U.S. team that competed recently in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

“We support soccer all over the world, and I am truly honored to join this talented group to try to bring this wonderful event to the United States,” said Nooyi. “The World Cup captures the attention of the entire global community and creates memories that last for generations.”