Professional Overview
Rachael Howe Lawrence holds the position of Senior Director on PepsiCo Foods Sustainability Team, based in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. She has been with PepsiCo for approximately 15 years, with a progressive trajectory in sustainability leadership within the organization.
Her current focus is on advancing PepsiCo’s sustainability strategy specifically for the North American Foods division, where she leads key initiatives related to environmental impact reduction and circular economy solutions. Prior roles at PepsiCo have included Director of Transformative Innovation (2018–2020) and Director of Marketing for Cheetos (2016–2018), reflecting a blend of innovation, brand marketing, and sustainability expertise.
Education
Rachael Lawrence is an alumna of Siena University, where she attended from 2001 to 2005. Further formal qualifications or certifications have not been disclosed in the available data.
Sustainability Leadership and Initiatives
Rachael Lawrence is recognized as a leading voice for sustainability transformation within PepsiCo. She has been prominently involved in:
- PepsiCo's Pep+ Program: Described as an “end-to-end transformation of sustainability systems,” Pep+ integrates sustainability at every organizational level. Rachael has articulated this holistic approach publicly, confirming her role in operationalizing the program within Foods North America.
- US Flexible Film Initiative (USFFI): As a founding member representative, Rachael is actively engaged in advancing scalable recycling solutions for flexible plastic packaging—a major challenge in the consumer packaged goods industry. Through USFFI, PepsiCo and partners aim to create a circular economy model by enabling flexible films' recovery and recycling. Rachael described flexible packaging as critical to consumer expectations and food waste reduction but highlighted inherent recycling infrastructure gaps now being addressed through multi-year contracts with recycling and recovery facilities.
- Packaging Innovation and Recyclability: Rachael has spoken on the need for structural improvements in plant-based and flexible packaging to ensure better recyclability and sustainable commodity governance. She participates regularly in cross-industry coalitions and scientific forums dedicated to sustainable commodity production and circular economy initiatives.
- Representation and Advocacy: Rachael has represented PepsiCo at international sustainability forums, including the International Negotiating Committee for the global plastics treaty and various industry events focused on circular packaging strategies. Her sustainability leadership includes engagement with both regulatory and philanthropic sectors to support environmental stewardship goals.
Public Presence and Engagement
- LinkedIn: Rachael maintains an active professional profile with over 950 followers and 500+ connections. Her content regularly promotes PepsiCo’s sustainability efforts across its major brands, emphasizing transparency, innovation, and corporate responsibility.
- Media & Speaking: Appeared as a featured guest on the “Recipe for Success” video series discussing sustainability at PepsiCo Foods North America. She participates in expert panels and industry roundtables, including the Packaging Business Professional Coalition and the Beverage Forum.
- Recent Career Moves: Data indicates that after a long tenure at PepsiCo, Rachael has recently taken on the role of Chief Marketing Officer, North America at Subway, signaling her transition into broader marketing leadership while maintaining a sustainability-forward mindset. This move suggests a strategic broadening of her expertise into integrated brand and sustainability marketing at a global quick-service restaurant company.
Geographic Footprint
- Based in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Texas. Her professional roles at PepsiCo have largely focused on the North American region, with specific emphasis on operational and marketing aspects of the Foods segment.
Key Insights for Strategic Engagement
Rachael Howe Lawrence’s expertise and current focus areas provide multiple strategic touchpoints for engagement:
- Her leadership role in PepsiCo’s sustainability transformation priorities, including packaging innovation, recycling infrastructure, and circular economy models, signals a strong interest in scalable, measurable sustainability solutions.
- Given her involvement in cross-industry coalitions and public-private partnerships, proposals that demonstrate alignment with regulatory trends, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and collaborative recycling initiatives will likely resonate.
- Her transition to CMO at Subway indicates a potential expansion of her influence in brand integration of sustainability messaging, suggesting openness to innovative marketing-sustainability hybrid solutions.
- Located in a major logistics and corporate hub in Dallas-Fort Worth, Rachael likely engages with regional and national stakeholders, which could inform geographic targeting in the supply chain or sustainability program deployment.
Summary: Rachael Howe Lawrence is a senior sustainability executive with deep experience in corporate sustainability strategy, packaging innovation, and cross-sector partnerships at PepsiCo Foods North America. Her leadership has been pivotal in advancing PepsiCo’s Pep+ program and founding membership in the US Flexible Film Initiative. Her recent move to a chief marketing officer role at Subway further broadens her capability to drive integrated sustainability and brand growth initiatives. Engagement strategies should emphasize scalable sustainability innovations, cross-industry collaboration, and integration of sustainability with brand positioning.
