PepsiCo in an attempt to address global trends that bring vast changes in the food and beverage industry announced a string of senior appointments ahead of second quarter earnings that are due on Thursday.

PepsiCo on Wednesday promoted a number of senior executives. Hugh Johnston is promoted as vice chairman of the company. Johnston was also chief financial officer for PepsiCo.

The announcement follows PepsiCo's move to focus on digital technology and ecommerce amid the rise of the digitally connected consumer.

The company announced the name of Brian Newman, senior vice president of global e-commerce, as its new executive vice president of global operations. Earlier this year, Mehmood Khan, chief scientific officer, was promoted to vice chairman.

Indra Nooyi, chief executive and chairman of the company, said, "Today's appointments enable us to continue to elevate our next generation of talent to increasing levels of responsibility".

It is known that PepsiCo has been battling with change in American consumer spending, which has shifted towards healthier options. In addition, rise in the US dollar, which wiped nearly $1bn from its sales in the first quarter, is also responsible for company's low performance.

As per analyst's expectations, the company might report a 4.4 % drop in earnings per share for the second quarter.

It has been said that Pepsi shares, which have advanced 1% this year, were little changed in after-hours trading.

PepsiCo this week became the second company to pull information technology into the territory of its chief financial officer.

PepsiCo in a statement on Wednesday said its recent move will allow Mr. Johnston to generate new ways for the company to use e-commerce and other digital technology to reach customers.