PepsiCo has established a new position of chief medical officer and also has named a former CEO of a major British grocer to its board.

Pietro Antonio Tataranni, a former employee of Sanofi and Merck, was promoted to the new position of global chief medical officer in a move announced last week. Tataranni joined PepsiCo in September 2018 and has served as deputy chief scientific officer and senior vice president of life sciences. As chief medical officer, Tataranni will continue to oversee all aspects of the companys efforts to protect its global workforce, products and communities in the face of the pandemic.

"I am thrilled to take on this expanded role at PepsiCo, which allows me to continue advancing our nutrition and bio-sciences work, as well as advise the company on key health, science and medical issues impacting our products, people and communities," Tataranni said in a statement.

Earlier this month, PepsiCo named Dave Lewis, the former head of British grocery chain Tesco, to its board of directors. Before Tesco, Lewis worked at Unilever for almost three decades, with titles including president, personal care; president, Americas; and chairman, United Kingdom and Ireland.

"We welcome Dave to the PepsiCo board of directors," Daniel Vasella, chair of the boards nominating and corporate governance committee, said in a statement. "His significant leadership experience in our industry in both retail and consumer-packaged goods will be valuable to us as we continue to invest to drive sustainable long-term growth and shareholder value."