UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No.     )

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Definitive Proxy Statement

Definitive Additional Materials

Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.

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YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT

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April 25, 2019

29, 2022

DEAR FELLOW STOCKHOLDER,

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Dear Fellow Stockholder:
Our company has undergone an exciting and significant business transformation over the last

This past year following the July 2018 merger between Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. and Keurig Green Mountain, Inc., formingwas a pivotal one for Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (“KDP”(KDP), which combined with its consolidated subsidiaries is referredas we completed our three-year merger integration period and introduced our new strategic plan designed to asdeliver strong value creation through both organic and inorganic growth strategies.

Looking back over the “Company”), a leading beverage company in North America, with a diverse portfolio of flavored (non-cola) carbonated soft drinks, specialty coffee and non-carbonated beverages, andpast three years, KDP met or exceeded all commitments made at the #1 single serve coffee brewing system in North America. KDP has some of the most recognized beverage brands in North America, with significant consumer awareness levels and long histories that evoke strong emotional connections with consumers. We have a highly competitive distribution system that enables our portfolio of more than 125 owned, licensed and partner brands to be available nearly everywhere people shop and consume beverages. We are proud of the progress we have made toward achieving our goal of creating a new challenger in the beverage industry since the closingtime of the merger in 2018. And our strength since merger extends well beyond our financial commitments. We delivered high-quality in-market performance—including broad-based market share growth across our portfolio and meaningful expansion of new households using the Keurig® system.

We also continued to make progress on our Corporate Responsibility agenda and are excited aboutincreasingly recognized as a leader in Environmental, Social and Governance initiatives. We remain on track to achieve our goals and have further strengthened our focus in both existing and new areas, which will be detailed in our annual Corporate Responsibility Report available this summer.

Our progress is notable in a stable macro environment, but it is even more noteworthy in the context of the volatility experienced since merger—a period marked by pandemic, inflation, supply chain disruption, labor challenges and social unrest. I offer my deep appreciation to all 27,000 KDP team members for their commitment, resilience and focus in delivering our goals, despite the challenges.

Shifting our perspective to the future, opportunitiesKDP’s long-term outlook targets attractive organic growth, plus the opportunity for meaningful inorganic value creation. As we embark on this journey, maintaining consistency of KDP leadership and strategic direction is paramount. To that end, we recently announced a thoughtful leadership succession plan in which KDP Chief Financial Officer & President of International Ozan Dokmecioglu, with whom I have partnered for the past six years, will become our combined company.

new CEO, while I will remain Executive Chairman for the next two years. I would like to thank our Board of Directors for their continued commitment to good governance practices, as demonstrated by the robust CEO succession process that will enable a seamless leadership transition.

I strongly believe that the best days for KDP still lie ahead. We recognize that the macro environment will continue to be challenging for some time yet remain confident that our team will continue to successfully manage the business through whatever the future may bring.

We are pleased to invite you to attend the firstour annual meeting of stockholders, as a newly combined company. The annual meeting of stockholders of Keurig Dr Pepper Inc., a Delaware corporation,which will take place online on June 7, 2019,9, 2022, at 11:10:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time. This year’s annual meeting will be online and a virtual meeting of stockholders to enable stockholder participation while saving the Company’s and the investors’ time and money and reducing our environmental impact. You may attend, vote, and submit questions during the annual meeting via the Internet at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/KDP2019.

KDP2022. Details regarding how to attend the meeting online and the business to be conducted at the annual meeting are more fully described in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement.

Your vote is very important, regardless of the number of shares you own. Whether or not you plan to attend the virtual annual meeting, we hope you will vote as soon as possible.

On behalf of our Board of Directors, thank you for your ongoing support of KDP.

Sincerely,

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Robert J. Gamgort
Executive

Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer








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NOTICE OF 2022 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS AND PROXY STATEMENT

Date and Time: Friday,

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Date and Time

Thursday, June 9, 2022

10:00 a.m. ET

Location

Virtual Annual Meeting

www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/KDP2022

Record Date

April 14, 2022

Notice is hereby given that the virtual annual meeting of stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Keurig Dr Pepper Inc., a Delaware corporation (“KDP”), will be held on June 7, 20199, 2022, at 11:10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time

Location: VirtuallyET. You can attend the Annual Meeting online, vote your shares electronically and submit questions online during the meeting by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/KDP2022 and entering the control number provided on your proxy card, voting instruction form or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.

Items Of Business:

1.

To elect 11 directors to hold office for a one-year term and until their respective successors shall have been duly elected and qualified;

2.

To approve an advisory resolution regarding KDP’s executive compensation;

3.

To ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as KDP’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2022; and

4.

To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof.

Who May Vote: Stockholders of KDP common stock at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/KDP2019

Record Date: the close of business on April 10, 2019
 14, 2022. A list of stockholders will be accessible prior to the Annual Meeting upon request from the Corporate Secretary and during the Annual Meeting by visiting the meeting website referenced above.

Distribution Date:Date: A Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or the Proxy Statement is first being sent to stockholders on or about April 25, 2019. 29, 2022.

How You May Vote: (i) VIA THE INTERNET

Notice is hereby given that the virtual annual meeting of stockholders of Keurig Dr Pepper Inc., a Delaware corporation, referred to as KDP, will be held on June 7, 2019, at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time. This means that you can attend the annual meeting online, vote your shares electronically and submit questions during the online meeting by visiting (ii)www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/KDP2019 BY TELEPHONE. Stockholders will be able to listen, vote and submit questions from their home or from any remote location that has Internet connectivity. There will be no physical location for stockholders to attend.
ITEMS OF BUSINESS:
1.To vote on a proposal to elect a board of twelve members to hold office for a one-year term and until their respective successors shall have been duly elected and qualified, referred to as the election proposal;
2.To vote on a proposal to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”) as KDP’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2019, referred to as the ratification proposal;
3.To vote on a proposal to approve an advisory resolution regarding KDP’s executive compensation, referred to as the 2018 compensation proposal;
4.To vote on a proposal to approve and adopt the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan, including the reservation of an additional 25,000,000 shares available for issuance thereunder, referred to as the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan proposal; and
5.To transact such other business as may properly come before the annual meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Your proxy is being solicited by our Board of Directors. OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” EACH OF THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES LISTED IN THE ELECTION PROPOSAL, “FOR” THE RATIFICATION PROPOSAL, “FOR” THE 2018 COMPENSATION PROPOSAL, AND “FOR” THE 2019 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN.
Our Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on April 10, 2019 as the record date for determination of KDP stockholders entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the annual meeting of KDP stockholders or any adjournments or postponements thereof. Only holders of record of our common stock at the close of business on the record date for the annual meeting are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the annual meeting. Approval of the election of each director nominee, the ratification proposal, the 2018 compensation proposal, and the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan proposal requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our common stock having voting power present in person or represented by proxy and which have actually voted. For each proposal to be approved, or in the case of the election proposal, for each director nominee to be approved, votes cast “FOR” each proposal or nominee, as applicable, must exceed votes cast “AGAINST” such proposal or nominee, as applicable. For each proposal a failure to vote, a broker non-vote or an abstention will not be counted as having been voted on the applicable proposal, and therefore will have no effect on the vote, assuming a quorum is present.



Your vote is very important. To ensure your representation at the annual meeting of our stockholders, please complete and return the enclosed proxy card or submit your vote through the Internet or telephonically. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, we urge you to vote. Registered stockholders may vote (i) via the Internet, (ii) by telephone,, or (iii) by returning a properly executed proxy card.  BY MAIL

If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee, follow the instructions you receive from your bank, broker or other nominee on how to vote your shares.

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James L. Baldwin
Corporate

Your vote is very important. To ensure your representation at the Annual Meeting, please complete and return the enclosed proxy card or submit your vote through the Internet or by telephone. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, we urge you to vote.

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Anthony Shoemaker

Chief Legal Officer & Secretary

WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO VIRTUALLY ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, YOU MAY VOTE AND SUBMIT YOUR PROXY. YOU MAY SUBMIT YOUR PROXY ELECTRONICALLY, BY TELEPHONE OR BY REQUESTING A PRINTED COPY OF THE PROXY MATERIALS AND COMPLETING AND RETURNING BY MAIL THE PROXY CARD YOU WILL RECEIVE IN RESPONSE TO YOUR REQUEST.

WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO VIRTUALLY ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, YOU MAY VOTE AND SUBMIT YOUR PROXY ELECTRONICALLY, BY TELEPHONE OR BY REQUESTING A PRINTED COPY OF THE PROXY MATERIALS AND COMPLETING AND RETURNING BY MAIL THE PROXY CARD YOU WILL RECEIVE IN RESPONSE TO YOUR REQUEST.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING TO BE HELD ON JUNE 7, 2019: 9, 2022:

The Company’s Proxy Statement for the annual meetingAnnual Meeting and the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20182021 are available at www.proxyvote.comand by entering the control number provided on your control number.proxy card, voting instruction form or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.










TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROXY SUMMARY1
PROPOSAL 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS5

Director Nomination Process

5

Board Composition, Qualifications and Diversity

5

Director Independence

6

Director Nominees

7
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES11

Board Leadership Structure

11

Board Meetings

12

Committees

12

The Board’s Oversight Responsibilities

13

Board and Committee Evaluations

13

Code of Conduct

13

Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions

14

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

14

Where to Find More Information

14

Stockholder Outreach and Communications with the Board

15

Director Compensation

15
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS18
PROPOSAL 2 – ADVISORY RESOLUTION TO APPROVE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION20
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS21

Overview

21

Roles and Responsibilities with Regard to Compensation

24

Peer Group, Market Data and Benchmarking

24

2021 Compensation Decisions

25

2022 Succession Plan

29

Other Matters

29

Report of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee

30

Executive Compensation Tables

31

CEO Pay Ratio

39

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

40
PROPOSAL 3 – RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM41

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Fees

41

Report of the Audit Committee

42
OWNERSHIP OF OUR EQUITY SECURITIES43
OTHER MATTERS45

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. Page
          2022 PROXY STATEMENT           
i









  Proxy Summary  



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING
The following questions and answers are intended to briefly address some commonly asked questions regarding the annual meeting. These questions and answers may not address all questions that may be important to you as our stockholder. Please refer to the more detailedPROXY SUMMARY

This summary highlights certain information contained elsewhere in this Proxy Statement,Statement. Stockholders are encouraged to read the annex to thisentire Proxy Statement and the information incorporated by reference into this Proxy Statement, which you should read2021 Annual Report carefully and in their entirety. You may obtain the information incorporated by reference into this Proxy Statement without charge by following the instructions in the Notice ofbefore voting.

2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Information

Q:

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Why am I receiving this Proxy Statement

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Date and proxy card?Time

Thursday, June 9, 2022

10:00 a.m. ET

Location

Virtual Annual Meeting

www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/KDP2022

Record Date

April 14, 2022

Meeting Agenda and Voting Recommendations

A:

Proposal

We are holdingBoard’s Voting
Recommendation
Page
Reference

1. Election of Directors

FOR (each nominee)5

2. Advisory Resolution to Approve KDP’s Executive Compensation

FOR20

3. Ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP’s Appointment as the annual meeting of our stockholders to ask our stockholders to consider and vote upon (i) the election proposal, (ii) the ratification proposal, (iii) the 2018 compensation proposal, and (iv) the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan proposal.Company’s Independent Auditor for 2022

FOR41

Keurig Dr Pepper – A Modern Beverage Company

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (“KDP,” “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company”) is a leading beverage company in North America, with annual revenue approaching $13 billion and approximately 27,000 employees. KDP holds leadership positions in soft drinks, specialty coffee and tea, water, juice and juice drinks and mixers, and markets the #1 single serve coffee brewing system in the U.S. and Canada. The Company’s portfolio of more than 125 owned, licensed and partner brands is designed to satisfy virtually any consumer need, any time, and includes Keurig®, Dr Pepper®, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters®, Canada Dry®, Snapple®, Bai®, Mott’s®, CORE® and The Original Donut Shop®. Through our powerful sales and distribution network, KDP can deliver our portfolio of hot and cold beverages to nearly every point of purchase for consumers. The Company is committed to sourcing, producing and distributing our beverages responsibly through our Drink Well. Do Good. corporate responsibility platform, including efforts around circular packaging, efficient natural resource use and supply chain sustainability.

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*

Source: Information Resources, Inc. Multi-Outlet + Convenience Retail Dollar Sales Scanner Data, 52 Weeks Ending 12-26-2021.

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          1


This

  Proxy StatementSummary  

KDP is being delivereda Modern Beverage Company with a portfolio of iconic and new brands, distributed through a flexible and scalable route-to-market network and advanced by a leading approach to you by mail as our stockholderdata and technology.

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Company Highlights

Milestone Achievements in 2021

In 2021, KDP completed milestone achievements on its three-year journey to becoming a Modern Beverage Company. When Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. (“KGM”) and Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. (“DPS”) merged in 2018 (the “Merger”), they formed a new challenger in the beverage industry. Under the guidance of record, as of the record date for the annual meeting, in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors (the “Board”), KDP set ambitious three-year financial and operational targets to cement the Company’s position as a leader in the marketplace.

By the end of proxieslast year, the Company had proven its merger thesis and met or exceeded all of its key commitments. In particular, the Company delivered net sales growth of nearly 5% and Adjusted EPS growth of over 15% on a compound annual basis since the merger while significantly delevering. At the same time, the Company advanced a corporate responsibility agenda that included diversity and inclusion, positive hydration, and regenerative agriculture. These achievements were made in the face of unprecedented obstacles beginning in 2020 in the form of a global pandemic and supply chain challenges.

Succession Plan for 2022 and Beyond

In 2022, KDP’s Board is looking ahead to be votedthe next phase of the Company’s development. In April, the Company announced a CEO transition plan that leverages the successful partnership between Robert Gamgort, Executive Chairman and CEO, and Ozan Dokmecioglu, CFO and President of International, to ensure continuity of the Company’s leadership and strategic direction.

Effective July 29, 2022, Mr. Dokmecioglu will become KDP’s next CEO and Mr. Gamgort will begin his two-year commitment to serve as Executive Chairman. Mr. Gamgort and Mr. Dokmecioglu have worked closely together since they both joined KGM in 2016, and their continued collaboration will help drive KDP’s growth as the Company focuses on deploying its exceptional discretionary cash flow to create stockholder value. Mr. Dokmecioglu will join KDP’s Board at the annual meeting. same time he becomes CEO. For more information on Mr. Gamgort’s role as Executive Chairman, see the section entitled “Executive Chairman” on page 11.

As part of the transition, Mr. Gamgort and KDP have entered into an agreement for his role as Executive Chairman, in which Mr. Gamgort has committed to remaining a stockholdersignificant investor in KDP, maintaining at least half of recordhis KDP shareholdings during his tenure as Executive Chairman. In addition, the agreement provides that Mr. Gamgort will serve on no more than one other public company board of directors in addition to KDP. For more information on the record date fornew compensation arrangements with Mr. Gamgort and Mr. Dokmecioglu, see the annual meeting, you are invited to attend the virtual annual meeting and aresection entitled to and are requested to vote“2022 Succession Plan” on the items of business described in this Proxy Statement.

page 29.

Q:What items of business will be voted on at the annual meeting?
A:The items of business scheduled for the annual meeting are:
Proposal 1:2 A vote on each          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.


  Proxy Summary  

2022 Director Nominees

7 of the director 11

nominees listed in the election proposal.are

independent

4 of 11

nominees are

women

5

different

nationalities

4.6 years

average

tenure

Name

  Principal Occupation  Years of
Service
  Independent  No. of Current
Public Company
Boards
(including KDP)
  

 Committees & 

Roles

Robert Gamgort

  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of KDP  4  

 

  1  

 

Michael Call

  Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of Mondelēz  <1    1  

Audit

RemCo

Olivier Goudet

  Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of JAB  4  

 

  4  

 

Peter Harf

  Managing Partner and Chairman of JAB  4  

 

  3  

 

Juliette Hickman

  Former Investment Analyst of Capital World Investors  1    2  Audit

Paul S. Michaels

  Former Global President of Mars, Inc.  4    2  Lead Director RemCo (Chair)

Pamela Patsley

  Former Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MoneyGram International, Inc.  14    4  Audit

Lubomira Rochet

  Partner of JAB  1  

 

  3  

 

Debra Sandler

  Founder & CEO of Mavis Foods, LLC  1    4  RemCo

Robert Singer

  Former Chief Executive Officer of Barilla Holding S.p.A.  4    2  Audit (Chair)

Larry D. Young

  Former President and Chief Executive Officer of Dr Pepper Snapple Group  15    1   

 

Corporate Governance Highlights

Board Diversity and Independence

      
Proposal 2:

Board Practices

The ratification proposal.
      

Oversight of Risk, Ethics and Corporate Responsibility

Proposal 3:

  Seven of our 11 director nominees are independent, with an additional three nominees affiliated with our largest stockholder, JAB, which owns approximately 33% of our common stock

  All Board committees comprised solely of independent directors

  Strong Lead Independent Director with clearly defined and robust responsibilities

  Commitment to Board diversity, including characteristics such as age, gender, race and national origin

 A non-binding advisory vote on the 2018 compensation proposal.
 
Proposal 4:

  Annual election of all directors

  Demonstrated and ongoing Board and committee refreshment and succession planning

  Annual Board and committee evaluations

  Regular executive sessions of independent directors

  Director stock ownership guidelines require equity holdings of at least 5x annual cash retainer

  Directors limited to no more than four public company boards (including KDP)

 The 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan proposal.

  Full Board responsible for risk oversight, with specific areas delegated to relevant Board committees

  Code of Conduct applicable to all directors, officers and employees, with annual compliance training and certification

  Robust political activities disclosures on our website

  Full Board oversight of corporate responsibility strategy and approval of Company’s long-term goals and commitments

We also will consider any other business that properly comes before the annual meeting.

Q:How does the Board recommend that I vote?
A:Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.The Board unanimously recommends a vote:          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          3


  Proxy Summary  

Key Executive Compensation Practices

Strong pay for performance philosophy designed to link pay delivery to Company’s financial and market performance

Significant levels of direct investment and long-term stock ownership required for all executives to closely align the interests of executives with those of our stockholders

Lengthy vesting periods for all equity awards

Independent compensation consultant reporting to the Remuneration and Nominating Committee (the “RemCo”)

No tax gross-ups

Incentives do not encourage excessive risk taking

Clawback policy applicable to all incentive compensation programs

Double-trigger vesting upon a change of control

Hedging is prohibited

Minimal perquisites

KDP’s Corporate Responsibility Commitments

1.

Our corporate responsibility commitments aim to ensure our beverages make a positive impact with every drink. Our broad portfolio of products and 27,000 employees give us many opportunities to drive change and be a catalyst for good. Our Drink Well. Do Good. corporate responsibility platform focuses our energy and resources into those areas where we can have the greatest impact. Our Board oversees our corporate responsibility strategy and sets the tone for the Company’s commitment to act responsibly and be a force for positive impact.

This summer, we will release our fourth annual Corporate Responsibility Report, continuing our commitment to transparency and information sharing. Our Corporate Responsibility Reports and ethics and compliance policies can be found at keurigdrpepper.com/en/our-company/corporate-responsibility.

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FOR each of the director nominees listed in the election proposal;
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2.
FOR the ratification proposal;
3.4
          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          FOR Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.the 2018 compensation proposal; and


  Proposal 1 — Election of Directors  

PROPOSAL 1 – ELECTIONOF DIRECTORS

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Our Board recommends that you vote FOR “FOR”the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan proposal.election of all director nominees

Q:What is the voting requirement to approve each of the proposals?
A:The following voting requirements will be in effect for each proposal described in this Proxy Statement:
Proposal 1.

The Board has nominated the 11 candidates named in this proposal for election as directors at the Annual Meeting. All nominees are currently serving as KDP directors. Directors are elected annually and serve until their term expires at the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified. Each nominee has agreed to be named in this Proxy Statement and to serve if elected. For each director nominee requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our common stock having voting power present in person or represented by proxy and which have actually voted (the number of shares voted “FOR” a directorto be approved, votes cast “FOR” each nominee must exceed the number of votes cast AGAINST” that nominee).



Proposal 2. Approval of the ratification proposal requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our common stock having voting power present in person or represented by proxy and which have actually voted (the number of shares voted “FOR” the ratification proposal must exceed the number of votes cast “AGAINST” the ratification proposal).
Proposal 3. Approval of the 2018 compensation proposal (on a non-binding advisory basis) requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our common stock having voting power present in person or represented by proxy and which have actually voted (the number of shares voted “FOR” the 2018 compensation proposal must exceed the number of votes cast “AGAINST” the 2018 compensation proposal).
Proposal 4. Approval of the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan proposal requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our common stock having voting power present in person or represented by proxy and which have actually voted (the number of shares voted “FOR” the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan proposal must exceed the number of votes cast “AGAINST” the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan proposal).
Q:What shares can I vote at the annual meeting?
A:The Board has fixed the close of business on April 10, 2019, as the record date for the annual meeting. Only holders of record of the outstanding shares of our common stock at the close of business on the record date for the annual meeting are entitled to vote at the annual meeting or any adjournments thereof.
As of the close of business on the record date for the annual meeting, we had 1,407,315,543 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, issued and outstanding.“AGAINST” such nominee. A holder of shares of our common stock is entitled to one vote, in person or by proxy, for each share of our common stock on all matters properly brought before the annual meeting.
Q:How many shares must be present or represented to conduct business at the annual meeting?
A:The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock entitled to vote at the annual meeting or any adjournment thereof is necessary to constitute a quorum to transact business.
Abstentions and broker non-votes (shares held by brokers, trustees or other nominees as to which they have no discretionary powerfailure to vote, on a particular matter and have received no instructions from the beneficial owners of such shares or persons entitled to vote on the matter) will be counted as present at the annual meeting for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present. If your shares are held by a broker trusteenon-vote or other nominee on your behalf and you do not instruct the broker, trustee or other nominee as to how to vote these shares on Proposal 1 (the election proposal), Proposal 3 (the 2018 compensation proposal), or Proposal 4 (the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan proposal), the broker, trustee or other nominee may not exercise discretion to vote for or against those proposals. This would be a “broker non-vote,” and these sharesan abstention will not be counted as having been voted on the applicable proposalnominee, and therefore will have no effect on the vote, assuming a quorum is present. Please instruct your broker, trustee

Our Board currently consists of 12 directors, including one director who is designated by Mondelēz, which owns approximately 5% of our common stock, pursuant to the terms of the Investor Rights Agreement (the “IRA”), dated as of July 9, 2018, by and among KDP, Maple Holdings B.V. and Mondelēz. Michael Call has been nominated as the designated nominee of Mondelēz under the IRA. Justine Tan has not been renominated and will no longer serve on the Board following the Annual Meeting.

Director Nomination Process

The Board is responsible for nominating the Company’s director candidates, with assistance in identifying and recommending nominees from the RemCo. The RemCo uses a variety of methods for identifying and evaluating nominees for director. Candidates may come to the attention of the RemCo through management, current Board members, stockholders or other nomineesources. Mr. Call was recommended by Mondelēz in accordance with the IRA, as described above.

Members of the RemCo, the Lead Independent Director of the Board (the “Lead Director”) and other members of the Board interview potential director candidates as part of the selection process when evaluating new director candidates. The RemCo reviews the background of all potential nominees and determines whether they individually possess the personal and professional attributes necessary to be a director. Any feedback obtained through the Board’s annual self-evaluation process with respect to the ability of individual directors to contribute to the Board is also considered in connection with the nomination process. The RemCo will also consider director nominations by a stockholder made pursuant to the procedures set forth in our Amended and Restated By-Laws (the “By-Laws”) relating to stockholder nominations.

In addition, the Company’s Corporate Governance Principles provide that directors are expected to limit the number of other boards on which they serve so your vote can be counted.as not to interfere with their service as a director of the Company and ordinarily may not serve on the board of more than three other public companies (or one other public company in the case of a director currently serving as chief executive of a public company). Directors are required to advise the chair of the RemCo in advance of accepting an invitation to serve on another corporate board of directors. Directors also must inform the RemCo and offer to resign from the Board if his or her principal occupation or business association changes substantially.

Board Composition, Qualifications and Diversity

The Board is committed to the ongoing review of Board composition and regularly discusses the skills and characteristics required of KDP directors in the context of the current makeup of the Board, the operating requirements of the Company and the long-term interests of stockholders. The RemCo also reviews the collective experience of the Board and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the appropriate mix of skillsets, qualifications and attributes of the Board as a whole.

The Board seeks candidates with diverse personal backgrounds and experiences and who are committed to active participation, sharing fresh perspectives and providing constructive feedback to management. Our Board prioritizes candidates with proven executive leadership capabilities; consumer product industry expertise; strategic planning experience; financial and accounting skills; and corporate governance, regulatory and risk management experience. With respect to diversity, the Board may consider such factors as diversity in viewpoint, professional experience, education, international experience, skills and other individual

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          5


Proposal 2 (the ratification proposal),1 — Election of Directors  

qualifications and attributes that contribute to board diversity, including characteristics such as age, gender, race and national origin. Specific attributes of our 2022 director nominees are summarized below:

Age

Tenure

LOGO

LOGO

The below Board Diversity Matrix provides additional information regarding certain attributes of the broker, trustee or other nominee maycurrent KDP directors. Following the 2022 Annual Meeting, the below responses will change when Justine Tan no longer serves as a KDP director.

Board Diversity Matrix (as of April 29, 2022)

Total Number of Directors

  12

Part I: Gender Identity

  Female  Male  Non-Binary  Did Not Disclose  
Gender

Directors

  5  7  0  0

Part II: Demographic Background

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

African American or Black

  0  0  0  0

Alaskan Native or Native American

  0  0  0  0

Asian

  1  0  0  0

Hispanic or Latinx

  0  0  0  0

Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

  0  0  0  0

White

  3  7  0  0

Two or More Races or Ethnicities

  1  0  0  0

LGBTQ+

  0

Did Not Disclose Demographic Background

  0

Director Independence

In order to determine that a director is independent under Nasdaq’s listing rules, the Board must affirmatively determine, after reviewing all relevant information, that a director does not have a relationship that would interfere with the exercise its discretionof independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. Based on these standards, the Board has determined that the following directors are independent: Michael Call, Juliette Hickman, Paul S. Michaels, Pamela Patsley, Debra Sandler, Robert Singer and Larry Young. The Board also previously determined that former directors Genevieve Hovde and Nelson Urdaneta were independent.

Robert Gamgort does not qualify as independent due to vote for or againsthis position as our CEO. Due to their roles with JAB, our largest stockholder, Olivier Goudet, Peter Harf and Lubomira Rochet are not currently determined to be independent, nor is Justine Tan, who is serving as a director until the 2022 Annual Meeting. In determining that proposalLarry Young qualifies as independent, the Board considered that Mr. Young has not been employed by the Company in any capacity since his service as DPS CEO ended over three years ago at the absencetime of your instruction.the Merger and that Mr. Young does not have any relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. The Board also considered Mr. Call’s affiliation with Mondelēz but determined that this relationship did not preclude a finding of independence. Therefore, the majority of the members of the Board are independent under Nasdaq’s listing standards.

6          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.


  Proposal 1 — Election of Directors  

Director Nominees

Robert Gamgort

Other Current Public Company Directorships:
Q:

Age: 59

How can I vote my sharesNone

Mr. Gamgort has served as one of our directors since July 2018 and as our Executive Chairman of the Board since January 2019. Mr. Gamgort has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer since July 2018, and prior to the closing of the Merger, served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of KGM beginning in May 2016. He also joined the board of directors of National Veterinary Associates, Inc. in February 2020. Mr. Gamgort has enjoyed a 35+ year career in consumer products, progressing through marketing, sales, strategy and general management roles at Kraft Foods, Inc., as President of Major League Baseball Proprieties, North American President of Mars, Inc. and CEO of Pinnacle Foods Inc., prior to joining KGM. Mr. Gamgort received a BA from Bucknell University and an MBA from the annual meeting?Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.

Qualifications: Mr. Gamgort has extensive senior-level executive experience in the consumer products industry and substantial marketing and general management experience. Mr. Gamgort has significant experience overseeing transformational mergers and integrations.

Michael Call

Other Current Public Company Directorships:
A:

Age: 50

Although we encourage you to complete

None

Mr. Call has served as one of our directors since April 2022. He has been the Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller and returnChief Accounting Officer at Mondelēz International, Inc. since September 2021. He joined Mondelēz in 2006 and has held various leadership positions within finance and mergers and acquisitions, including most recently as Vice President and Global Treasurer. Previously, he served as Vice President and head of Mergers and Acquisitions for Kraft Foods Group, Inc., following its spin-off from Mondelēz. Mr. Call holds an MBA from the University of Chicago, a proxy prior toJD from the annual meeting to ensure that your vote is counted, you can virtually attendUniversity of Chicago Law School and a BBA/BS in Accounting & Mathematics from the annual meetingUniversity of Wisconsin.

Qualifications: Mr. Call has financial expertise, including in tax, financial reporting, accounting and vote your shares online by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/KDP2019. You will need your control number included on your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) or proxy card (if you receive a printed copy of the proxy materials) in order to be able to vote during the annual meeting. If you vote by proxy prior to the annual meetingcontrols, corporate finance, mergers and also virtually attend the annual meeting, there is no need to vote again at the annual meeting unless you wish to change your vote.acquisitions, and capital markets. Mr. Call has significant financial experience gained through various leadership positions within finance and mergers and acquisitions.



Olivier Goudet

Other Current Public Company Directorships:
Q:

Age: 57

How can I vote my shares without attending

Coty Inc., JDE Peet’s N.V., Krispy Kreme, Inc.

Mr. Goudet has served as one of our directors since July 2018. From March 2016 until the virtual annual meeting?closing of the Merger in July 2018, Mr. Goudet served as a director of Maple Parent Holdings Corp., KGM’s parent company. Mr. Goudet is currently Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of JAB Holding Company, a position he has held since 2012. He serves as Chairman of the Board of JDE Peet’s N.V., Panera Bread Company, Pret A Manger and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. He is also a Director of Caribou Coffee Company, Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Espresso House, Compassion First and Coty Inc. He previously served as Chairman of the Board of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV. He is the former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Mars, Inc. and has served as an independent advisor to the Mars Board of Directors. Mr. Goudet began his career at Mars, serving on the finance team of its French business and held several senior executive positions at the VALEO Group. Mr. Goudet holds a degree in Engineering from l’Ecole Centrale de Paris and graduated from the ESSEC Business School in Paris with a major in Finance.

Qualifications: Mr. Goudet has extensive financial expertise and senior executive experience, as well as significant governance and oversight experience attained through his tenure as a director of several public companies. Mr. Goudet has a strong track record leading strategic acquisitions and integrations and driving revenue growth, along with significant global experience in the consumer-packaged goods and coffee industries.

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          7


  Proposal 1 — Election of Directors  

Peter Harf

Other Current Public Company Directorships:
A:

Age: 75

Whether you hold shares directlyCoty Inc., JDE Peet’s N.V.

Mr. Harf has served as one of our directors since July 2018. From March 2016 until the closing of the Merger in July 2018, Mr. Harf served as a director of Maple Parent Holdings Corp., KGM’s parent company. Mr. Harf is Managing Partner and Chairman of JAB Holding Company, having joined JAB in 1981. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Coty Inc. and is also a Director of JDE Peet’s N.V. and Compassion First. Mr. Harf is co-founder and Executive Chairman of Delete Blood Cancer DKMS. Previously, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Coty, Deputy Chairman of Reckitt Benckiser, Chairman of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV, Chairman of Espresso House and Director of Panera Bread Company, Pret A Manger, Caribou Coffee Company, Einstein Noah Restaurant Group and Krispy Kreme. Mr. Harf holds an MBA degree from Harvard Business School and a Diploma and a Doctorate in Economics from the University of Cologne in Germany.

Qualifications: Mr. Harf brings extensive experience leading major global company business units. In these roles, he has a strong track record of building and marketing global brands, including the reinvention of key brands, leading strategic business transformations and driving strong, profitable growth. Mr. Harf has public company board and corporate governance experience, and significant global experience in the food and beverage industry.

Juliette Hickman

Other Current Public Company Directorships:

Age: 48

Waldencast Acquisition Corp.

Ms. Hickman has served as one of our directors since January 2021. She is a former investment analyst and investor at Capital World Investors, part of The Capital Group Companies. Ms. Hickman joined The Capital Group in 1998 and held the role of investment analyst and investor, focused on the Global Beverage industry, until 2020. Additional areas of expertise include European Testing and UK public companies. Ms. Hickman has served as an independent director for Montanya Distillers since 2019 and for Waldencast Acquisition Corp. since 2021.Ms. Hickman holds a BA in Politics and Public Administration from the Nottingham Trent University.

Qualifications: Ms. Hickman has extensive experience in the beverage industry and her exposure to a broad range of industries on a global basis from the perspective of an analyst allows her to provide unique shareholder insights. Ms. Hickman has more than 20 years of investing experience and expertise in corporate strategy, valuation, mergers and acquisitions, financial analysis and risk assessment.

Paul S. Michaels

Other Current Public Company Directorships:

Age: 70

Krispy Kreme, Inc.

Mr. Michaelshas served as one of our directors since July 2018 and currently serves as Lead Director and Chair of the RemCo. Mr. Michaels was Global President of Mars, Inc. from 2004 to 2015 and currently serves as a director of Krispy Kreme. He is also a former director of Coty Inc. Before joining Mars, Mr. Michaels spent 15 years at Johnson & Johnson, building many of the company’s flagship brands. He began his career at The Procter & Gamble Company. Mr. Michaels holds a BA from the University of Notre Dame.

Qualifications: Mr. Michaels has expertise and creativity in launching, building and supporting global brands in the consumer products industry. Mr. Michaels has a focus on operational efficiency and effectiveness developed through his extensive executive experience with complex multinational consumer product organizations such as Mars and Johnson & Johnson.

8          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.


  Proposal 1 — Election of Directors  

Pamela Patsley

Other Current Public Company Directorships:

Age: 65

Hilton Grand Vacations, Inc., Texas Instruments Incorporated, Payoneer Global Inc.

Ms. Patsley has served as one of our directors since April 2008. From 2009 until her retirement in 2018, she served in various roles at MoneyGram International, including Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from September 2009 to December 2015 and Executive Chairman from January 2016 until February 2018. Previously, Ms. Patsley served as Senior Executive Vice President of First Data Corporation from 2000 to 2007 and President of First Data International from 2002 to 2007. She served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Paymentech, Inc., prior to its acquisition by First Data. Ms. Patsley has served on the board of directors of Texas Instruments Incorporated since 2004 and formerly served as Chair of the Audit Committee. Since January 2017, she has served on the board of directors of Hilton Grand Vacations, Inc., where she is Chairman of the Audit Committee. Ms. Patsley has also served as a director of Payoneer Global Inc. since September 2021. Ms. Patsley previously served as a director of ACI Worldwide, Inc., Molson Coors Brewing Company, Pegasus Solutions, Inc. and Paymentech, Inc. Ms. Patsley received a BSBA in accounting from the University of Missouri.

Qualifications: Ms. Patsley has extensive management experience at multiple multinational companies and a deep understanding of audit, financial control and technology matters. Ms. Patsley has extensive public company board and corporate governance experience.

Lubomira Rochet

Other Current Public Company Directorships:

Age: 44

Krispy Kreme, Inc., Societe Generale

Ms. Rochet has served as one of our directors since April 2021. Ms. Rochet is a Partner of JAB Holding Company, a role she has held since June 2021. Previously, she served as Chief Digital Officer and a member of the Executive Committee at L’Oréal from 2014 to 2021 and as Deputy CEO of Valtech from 2010 to 2014. Earlier in her career, Ms. Rochet held positions as Head of Innovation and Start-ups in France at Microsoft and Vice President of Strategy and Development at Sogeti, a branch of the Capgemini Group. She currently serves as an independent director of Societe Generale, a leading European bank. Ms. Rochet graduated from Ecole Normale Supérieure in Paris, Sciences Po Paris and the College of Europe in Bruges (Belgium).

Qualifications: Ms. Rochet has deep expertise in digital marketing, ecommerce, direct-to-consumer selling and the use of data, technology and innovative business models. Ms. Rochet brings to the Board a recognized digital transformation track record, significant knowledge of the consumer goods industry and unique perspectives on driving growth through digital leadership and consumer engagement.

Debra Sandler

Other Current Public Company Directorships:

Age: 62

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, Dollar General Corporation, Gannett Co., Inc.

Ms. Sandler has served as one of our directors since March 2021. Ms. Sandler is the Founder and CEO of Mavis Foods, LLC, a privately held family start-up focused on direct to consumer sales. She is also President and Chief Executive Officer of La Grenade Group, LLC, a privately held consulting firm that she founded in 2015, advising a wide range of clients on marketing innovation and overall business development. Ms. Sandler also served as Chief Health and Wellbeing Officer of Mars, Inc., and as Chief Consumer Officer and President of Mars Chocolate North America. Prior to joining Mars, Ms. Sandler spent 10 years with Johnson & Johnson in a variety of leadership roles and, before that, 13 years with PepsiCo, Inc. Ms. Sandler is a regular speaker on topics such as diversity and inclusion, multicultural business development and health and wellbeing in the consumer packaged goods industry.

Qualifications: Ms. Sandler has an extensive understanding of consumer behavior and the evolving retail environment, including valuable e-commerce and strategic planning experience. Ms. Sandler has a proven record of creating, building, enhancing, and leading well-known consumer brands as a result of the leadership positions she has held with Mars, Johnson & Johnson, and PepsiCo.

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          9


  Proposal 1 — Election of Directors  

Robert Singer

Other Current Public Company Directorships:

Age: 70

Coty Inc.

Mr. Singer has served as one of our directors since July 2018 and serves as Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee. From 2006 to 2009 he served as Chief Executive Officer of Barilla Holding S.p.A., an Italian food company, and before that he served as the stockholderPresident and Chief Operating Officer of recordAbercrombie and Fitch Co. from 2004 until 2005. He served as Chief Financial Officer of Gucci Group N.V. from 1995 to 2004. Mr. Singer started his career at Coopers & Lybrand in 1977. He has served on the board of Coty Inc. since 2010, where he currently serves as the Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee and Lead Independent Director. He has also served as a director and chair of the Audit Committee of Panera Bread Company since September 2017, and he was a director and chair of the Audit Committee of Tiffany & Co. from 2012 to 2021. Mr. Singer also served as a director of Gianni Versace S.p.A. from 2009 to December 2016 and Mead Johnson Nutrition from 2009 to June 2017. In addition, he served as Chairman of the Audit Committee of Jimmy Choo PLC from September 2014 to 2017. He received a BA degree from Johns Hopkins University, an MA degree in Comparative Literature from the University of California, Irvine and graduated from New York University with an MS in Accounting.

Qualifications: Mr. Singer has extensive operating, financial and executive experience as a former chief executive officer. Mr. Singer has financial acumen developed through his extensive executive experience and significant public company board experience (including audit chair experience).

Larry D. Young

Other Current Public Company Directorships:

Age: 67

None

Mr. Young has served as one of our directors since 2007. Mr. Young served as our President and Chief Executive Officer from October 2007 until his retirement at the closing of the Merger in July 2018. From October 2007 to May 2008, Mr. Young also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages. Mr. Young joined Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Bottling Group segment and Head of Supply Chain in 2006 after the acquisition of Dr Pepper/Seven Up Bottling Group, Inc. He had served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Dr Pepper/Seven Up Bottling Group since 2005. From 1997 to 2005, Mr. Young served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Pepsi-Cola General Bottlers, Inc. and Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs at PepsiAmericas, Inc.

Qualifications: Mr. Young has deep knowledge of the beverage industry, including management expertise and brand building experience. Mr. Young has significant experience in strategy, finance, sales and operations gained over 40 years in the beverage industry, including as former Chief Executive Officer of DPS.

10          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.


  Corporate Governance Practices  

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES

KDP is committed to strong corporate governance policies and practices, which are embodied in our Corporate Governance Principles, available at investors.keurigdrpepper.com/corporate-governance-guidelines. The RemCo reviews the Corporate Governance Principles annually to ensure they reflect evolving best practices and regulatory requirements, including Nasdaq listing standards. The governance practices highlighted below are reflected in the Corporate Governance Principles, our By-Laws and our committee charters, as appropriate.

Board Leadership Structure

The Board is responsible for broad corporate policy and overall performance of the Company through oversight of management and stewardship of the Company. Among other duties, the Board selects and advises the Company’s officers, assigns to them responsibility for management of the Company’s business, and monitors their performance.

The Board recognizes that its leadership structure – particularly the combination or separation of the CEO and Chairman roles – is driven by the needs of the Company, and that different leadership structures are appropriate for different circumstances. As a result, the Company does not currently have a policy requiring either the combination or separation of leadership roles. Instead, the Board periodically evaluates its leadership structure and maintains flexibility to determine which arrangement is best suited for the conditions facing the Company at that time.

Executive Chairman

As discussed on page 2, on July 29, 2022, Mr. Gamgort will transition his CEO duties and begin a two-year commitment to serve as the Company’s Executive Chairman. Mr. Gamgort has served as both Chairman of the Board and CEO since 2019. By serving in both positions, Mr. Gamgort has been able to draw on his extensive experience leading both public and private companies to focus the Board’s discussions and guide review of the Company’s strategy, which has resulted in efficient decision-making and effective governance during a time of transition following the Merger.

In his new role serving exclusively as Executive Chairman, Mr. Gamgort will have responsibilities in four distinct areas, as outlined below.

Board Leadership

CEO Advisor

External Engagement

Capital Allocation Strategy

  Organize and lead the work of the Board, including working with the CEO and Lead Director to set Board agendas

  Assist the RemCo and the Lead Director in evaluation of Board performance

  Chair annual meetings of stockholders

  Meet regularly with the CEO to advise across key business issues

  Engage in strategic planning guidance

  Support CEO in coaching and advising Executive Leadership Team (“ELT”) leaders, hiring new ELT leaders and planning for succession for the ELT

  Serve as representative of KDP for select engagements with key investors, customers, government officials or throughcommunity-oriented activities, as requested by the CEO

  Dedicate time to determine best deployment of capital to drive differential value creation, up to and including mergers and acquisitions

Lead Independent Director

In February 2021, the Board created a Lead Director position to bring additional knowledge, oversight and accountability to the Company’s leadership structure. The Company’s Corporate Governance Policies provide for an independent and active Lead Director who is designated by the independent directors with clearly defined leadership authority and responsibilities. As set forth in the Corporate Governance Principles, the Lead Director’s responsibilities include:

presiding at any meetings of the Board at which the Chairman is not present;

chairing executive sessions of the non-employee or independent directors;

serving as a broker, trusteeliaison between the independent directors and the Chairman and otherwise facilitating communications among members of the Board;

providing input to the Chairman on meeting agendas, schedules and other information sent to the Board;

being available for consultation with investors, regulators or other nominee assignificant stakeholders; and

assisting the beneficial owner, you may direct how your shares are voted by proxy without attending the virtual annual meeting. There are three ways to vote by proxy:RemCo with evaluating Board and management performance.

Less formally, the Lead Director acts as a “sounding board” and advisor to the Chairman and CEO, and he seeks to facilitate healthy discussion among other directors both inside and outside of the boardroom. Recently, the Lead Director also led the Company’s succession planning efforts.

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          11


By Internet

  — StockholdersCorporate Governance Practices  

The Board appointed Paul Michaels as Lead Director in February 2021 and reappointed him to the position in 2022. Mr. Michaels brings more than 30 years of consumer products industry experience, including at major companies such as Mars, Johnson & Johnson, and Procter & Gamble. He has a track record of industry accomplishments and executive leadership, and he is deeply engaged in the Company’s mission as a Modern Beverage Company.    

Board Meetings

Our Board met eight times during 2021. Each current director attended at least 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board and committees on which such director served that were held during 2021 while the director was a member. Directors are also expected to attend annual meetings of stockholders, and all directors who have received a paper copy of a proxy card or voting instruction form by mail may submit proxies over the Internet by following the instructionswere on the proxy card or voting instruction form.Board at the time attended the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

In addition to Board and committee meetings, our directors also discharge their duties through, among other things, less formal group communications, including discussions, briefings and educational sessions with the Chairman and CEO, members of senior management and others as appropriate regarding relevant matters.

Committees

The Board’s standing committees, their membership and the number of meetings held in 2021 are set forth below. Charters for each of our standing committees are available at our corporate governance webpage at investors.keurigdrpepper.com/corporate-governance-guidelines.

All members of the RemCo and the Audit and Finance Committee (the “Audit Committee”) satisfy the standards of independence applicable to members of such committees, including Nasdaq listing standards.

All members of the Audit Committee meet the financial literacy requirements under Nasdaq listing standards and independence requirements under Rule 10A-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The Board has also determined that all of the members of the Audit Committee are “audit committee financial experts” within the meaning of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules and have financial sophistication in accordance with Nasdaq listing standards. No Audit Committee member received any payments in 2021 from us other than compensation for service as a director.

The Board has determined that all members of the RemCo are “non-employee” directors as defined under Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act or outside directors under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

REMUNERATION AND NOMINATION COMMITTEE

Current Members

Paul S. Michaels (Chair)

Michael Call

Debra Sandler

6 Meetings Held in 2021

Primary Responsibilities

  Assist the Board in discharging its responsibilities relating to executive compensation and oversight of the Company’s executive remuneration plans, policies and programs.

  Identify and recommend to the Board individuals qualified to serve as directors of the Company.

  Review the Company’s human capital management strategies.

  Advise the Board with respect to the size, structure, composition, and functioning of the Board and its committees.

  Review the Corporate Governance Principles and recommend changes to the Board as appropriate.

  Oversee the evaluation of the Board and management performance.

  See also “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” for information regarding the processes and procedures followed by the RemCo in considering and determining executive compensation.

AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

Current Members

Robert Singer (Chair)

Michael Call

Juliette Hickman

Pamela Patsley

8 Meetings Held in 2021

Primary Responsibilities

  Oversee the integrity of the Company’s financial reporting process and systems of internal controls, including the integrity of the Company’s financial statements.

  Oversee compliance with KDP’s Code of Conduct and laws and regulations.

  Oversee the independence, qualifications and performance of the Company’s independent auditors and internal audit department.

  See also “Report of the Audit Committee.”

12          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.


By Telephone

  — StockholdersCorporate Governance Practices  

The Board’s Oversight Responsibilities

The Company’s corporate governance practices and policies ensure substantial independent oversight of record who livemanagement. For instance:

The Board has a majority of independent and non-employee directors. Seven of the 11 director nominees are independent under Nasdaq’s listing rules, and 10 of the 11 director nominees are non-employee directors. All of the Company’s directors are elected annually.

The Board’s standing committees are composed solely of independent directors. The RemCo and Audit Committee are each composed solely of independent directors. The committees provide independent oversight of management.

The Board’s non-employee directors and independent directors meet regularly in executive session. The non-employee directors meet regularly in executive session without management present and, consistent with Nasdaq listing rules, the independent directors also meet regularly in executive session. These sessions are chaired by the Lead Director.

Board Oversight of Risk

The Board’s role in the United States or Canada may submit proxies by telephone by calling 1-800-690-6903Company’s risk oversight process includes reviewing and followingdiscussing with members of management areas of material risk to the instructions. StockholdersCompany, including strategic, operational, financial and legal risks. The Board as a whole primarily oversees matters related to strategic and operational risk. The Audit Committee oversees matters of record who have receivedfinancial, legal and compliance risk, including cybersecurity risk. The RemCo addresses risks related to compensation and other talent-related matters, as well as risks associated with Board independence and governance. Committees report to the full Board regarding their respective considerations and actions.

Board Oversight of Corporate Responsibility and ESG Matters

The Board oversees KDP’s corporate responsibility strategy and sets the tone for the Company’s commitment to act responsibly and be a proxy card by mail must haveforce for positive impact. In early 2022, the control numberBoard updated the Corporate Governance Principles to formally reflect the longstanding commitment to addressing ESG matters directly with the full Board. The Board added as a core responsibility the oversight of the Company’s environmental sustainability and social responsibility strategies and commitments, including for climate, water, circular economy, health and wellbeing, supply chain sustainability, human rights, and diversity and inclusion.

The full Board approves long-term goals and commitments under our focus areas of Environment, Supply Chain, Health & Wellbeing and People & Communities. KDP executive leaders help guide and develop these corporate responsibility programs and provide regular updates to the Board on progress against our goals. Focus areas for the Board in 2021 included sustainable supply chain, health and well-being, diversity and inclusion initiatives and corporate governance. The RemCo assists the Board with oversight of human capital management strategies and corporate governance matters.

We are committed to transparency and information sharing in corporate responsibility and other ESG topics that appears on their proxy card available when voting. Most stockholders who are beneficial owners of their shares, but not stockholders of record, livingimpact our Company, and plan to release our fourth annual Corporate Responsibility Report in the United Statessummer of 2022. Our Corporate Responsibility Reports and ethics and compliance policies can be found at keurigdrpepper.com/en/our-company/corporate-responsibility. The information on, or Canadaaccessible through, our website is not incorporated by reference into, and who have receivedis not a voting instruction form by mail may vote by phone by calling the number specified on the voting instruction form provided by their broker, trustee or nominee. Those stockholders should check the voting instruction form for telephone voting availability.

By Mail — Stockholders who have received a paper copypart of, a proxy card or voting instruction form by mail may submit proxies by completing, signingthis Proxy Statement.

Board and dating their proxy card or voting instruction form and mailing itCommittee Evaluations

The Board, as well as each committee, conducts an annual self-evaluation to assess its performance. All directors participate in the accompanying pre-addressed envelope.

Telephoneformal evaluation process, responding to written questions designed to elicit information to be used in improving Board and Internet votingcommittee effectiveness. Director feedback is solicited from the formal self-evaluation process and is shared on an anonymous basis with the entire Board and committee and, where appropriate, addressed with management. In response to feedback from the evaluation process, our Board and committees work with management to take concrete steps to improve our policies, processes, and procedures to further Board and committee effectiveness.

Code of Conduct

We are dedicated to earning the trust of our customers and investors, and our actions are guided by the principles of integrity, trustworthiness, dependability and respect. The Board has adopted a Code of Conduct that applies to all employees, officers and directors. All employees and all Board members are required to participate in annual Code of Conduct training and certifications.

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          13


  Corporate Governance Practices  

Our Code of Conduct is posted on our website at keurigdrpepper.com/en/our-company/ethics-and-compliance. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K or applicable stock exchange rules regarding any amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of the Code of Conduct for our senior financial officers, including the chief executive officer, either by posting such information on our website at keurigdrpepper.com/en/our-company/ethics-and-compliance or by filing a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC.

Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions

Related Person Transactions Policy

We have adopted a Related Person Transactions Policy, which applies to any transaction or proposed transaction in which KDP is a participant, the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and a related person under the policy has a direct or indirect material interest. In general, related persons are directors, executive officers, their immediate family members, and stockholders beneficially owning more than 5% of our outstanding stock or more than 10% of Acorn Holdings B.V. (an investment entity affiliated with JAB), including their family members. Pursuant to this policy, management determines whether a transaction requires review by the Board or Audit Committee. Based on its consideration of all of the relevant facts and circumstances, the disinterested members of the Board or Audit Committee decide whether or not to approve such transactions and approve only those transactions that are deemed to be in the best interests of KDP and its stockholders. Our Related Person Transactions Policy also includes certain exceptions for transactions that are pre-approved by the Board.

Certain Related Person Transactions

Existing Commercial Arrangements with JAB Related Persons

KDP has previously negotiated and disclosed a number of arm’s length commercial arrangements with Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Inc. (“Peet’s”), Caribou Coffee Company, Inc. (“Caribou”), Panera Bread Company (“Panera”), Einstein Bros Bagels (“Einstein Bros”), and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. (“Krispy Kreme”). KDP’s largest stockholder, JAB, has controlling or significant investments in Peet’s, Caribou, Panera, Einstein Bros and Krispy Kreme.

KDP purchases certain raw materials from Peet’s and manufactures coffee and tea portion packs under Peet’s brands for sale by KDP and Peet’s in the U.S. and Canada. KDP exclusively manufactures, distributes and sells Peet’s ready-to-drink beverage products in the U.S. and Canada. KDP licenses the Caribou, Panera and Krispy Kreme trademarks for use in the manufacturing of portion packs for the Keurig brewing system. KDP also sells various syrups and packaged beverages to Caribou, Panera, Einstein Bros and Krispy Kreme for resale to retail customers.

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors and officers and persons who own more than 10% of our common stock to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC and Nasdaq and to furnish us with copies of the reports. Based on our review of such reports and written representations from our directors and officers, except as previously reported, we believe that all such filing requirements were met from January 1, 2021 through the record date, with the exception of one Form 3 relating to former director Nelson Urdaneta’s election as a director, filed late on September 16, 2021, and one Form 4 relating to a vesting for Mauricio Leyva, filed late on April 8, 2022, in each case due to administrative error.

Where to Find More Information

To learn more about our corporate governance practices and our other policies, you can access the governance documents listed below at investors.keurigdrpepper.com/corporate-governance-guidelines and other policies at keurigdrpepper.com/en/our-company/ethics-and-compliance. We will also provide copies of any of these documents to stockholders upon written request to the Corporate Secretary.

By-Laws

Corporate Governance Principles

Board Committee Charters

KDP Code of Conduct

Political Contributions Policy

Environmental Policy

Water Policy

Climate Policy

14          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.


  Corporate Governance Practices  

Stockholder Outreach and Communications with the Board

As part of our effort to better understand our stockholders’ perspectives, we regularly engage with our stockholders, seeking their input and views on various matters. We discuss a variety of topics with our stockholders, including the Company’s business strategy, financial performance, executive compensation and environmental, social and governance matters. The Board values our stockholders’ perspectives, and the feedback we receive continues to inform our policies and practices.

Any interested party may communicate with the Board, the Chairman, the Lead Director or the independent directors on a Board-related issue by sending an email to ir@kdrp.com or sending a written communication to: Corporate Secretary, Keurig Dr Pepper Inc., 6425 Hall of Fame Lane, Frisco, TX 75034. Communications related to the responsibilities of the Board will be available 24 hours a day and will close at 11:59 p.m. (EDT) on June 6, 2019. Votes cast by mail must be received in sufficient time to allow processing. Votes received by mail priordistributed to the day of the annual meeting will be processed, but votes received the day of the annual meeting may not be processedBoard, or to any individual director or directors as appropriate, depending on the time received. Shares represented by duly executed proxiesfacts and circumstances outlined in the accompanying proxy card or voting instruction formcommunication.

Director Compensation

Our non-employee director compensation program is guided by three goals: compensation should fairly pay directors for work required in a company of our size and scope; compensation should align directors’ interests with the long-term interests of stockholders; and the structure of the compensation should be easy for stockholders to understand. The Board believes that a director’s total compensation should include a significant equity component because it believes that this more closely aligns the long-term interests of directors with those of stockholders and provides a continuing incentive for directors to foster the Company’s success. In furtherance of these goals, our non-employee directors are bound by an equity ownership requirement of at least five times the annual cash retainer for a director.

Directors’ compensation is determined by the Board, and the RemCo makes recommendations to the Board based on periodic benchmarking assessments and advice received from Frederic W. Cook & Co., its independent compensation consultant. In 2020, the Board approved an annual cash retainer for the newly-appointed Lead Director of $40,000 per year and approved an increase of $10,000 to the cash retainer granted to the chair of the Audit Committee, each effective beginning in fiscal 2021. In 2021, the Board approved an increase of $5,000 to the annual equity award granted to all directors and an increase of $5,000 to the annual cash retainer for all directors, effective beginning in fiscal 2022, in each case to maintain alignment with market practices for a company of our size and scope.

Annual equity awards to directors vest in full on the fifth anniversary of the grant date. If a director’s service with the Company terminates for any reason, the award will vest in full on the termination date, except that awards granted within one year of the termination date will vest on a pro rata basis. In determining the number of shares that will be votedissued in connection with an annual equity award to directors, the Company divides the dollar amount of an award approved by the Board by the closing price per share of KDP common stock on the date of grant of the award.

Summary of 2021 Compensation Elements

Annual Compensation Elements

  Amount 

Board Retainer

  $100,000 

Audit & Finance Committee Chair Retainer

  $40,000 

Remuneration & Nominating Committee Chair Retainer

  $30,000 

Lead Director Retainer

  $40,000 

Annual Equity Award

  $160,000 

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          15


  Corporate Governance Practices  

Non-Employee Director Compensation for Fiscal 2021

The following table contains information with respect to the annual compensation of our non-employee directors earned during 2021 with respect to their Board service:

Name

  Fees
Earned
Or Paid
In Cash
($) (1)
   Stock
Awards
($)(2)(3)
   Option
Awards
   Non-equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
   Change In
Pension Value
And Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
   All Other
Compensation
   Total ($) 

Michael Call(4)

                            

Olivier Goudet

   100,000    140,997                    240,997 

Peter Harf

   107,500    140,997                    248,497 

Juliette Hickman(5)

   100,000    140,997                    240,997 

Genevieve Hovde(6)

   100,000    140,997                    240,997 

Paul S. Michaels

   159,167    140,997                    300,164 

Pamela Patsley

   100,000    140,997                    240,997 

Gerhard Pleuhs(7)

   50,000    140,997                    190,997 

Lubomira Rochet(8)

   75,000    71,635                    146,635 

Debra Sandler(9)

   83,333    71,635                    154,968 

Robert Singer

   140,000    140,997                    280,997 

Justine Tan

   100,000    140,997                    240,997 

Nelson Urdaneta(10)

   58,333    71,635            129,968 

Dirk Van de Put(11)

   50,000    140,997            190,997 

Larry D. Young

   100,000    140,997                    240,997 

(1)

The amounts reported in this column reflect cash retainers paid in 2021. The directors are paid their cash retainers quarterly in arrears.

(2)

The amounts reported in this column reflect the grant date fair value associated with restricted stock units (“RSUs”) granted to each director and are computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). In accordance with ASC 718, the amounts reported in this column are lower than the face value of the awards when approved because the RSUs do not accrue or otherwise participate in the Company’s dividends prior to vesting. Even though the RSUs may be forfeited, the amounts reported do not reflect this contingency.

(3)

The following table shows the aggregate number of outstanding RSUs for each non-employee director as of December 31, 2021. All of these awards vest five years from their respective grant dates.

Name

KDP
RSUs

Olivier Goudet

24,960

Peter Harf

24,960

Juliette Hickman

5,226

Genevieve Hovde

24,960

Paul S. Michaels

24,960

Pamela Patsley

24,960

Lubomira Rochet

2,285

Debra Sandler

2,285

Robert Singer

24,960

Justine Tan

5,226

Nelson Urdaneta

2,285

Larry D. Young

24,960

(4)

Mr. Call joined the Board effective April 1, 2022.

(5)

Ms. Hickman joined the Board effective January 18, 2021.

16          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.


  Corporate Governance Practices  

(6)

Ms. Hovde resigned from the Board effective February 11, 2022. Ms. Hovde is a Partner of BDT & Company. Ms. Hovde had agreed that she would not receive any separate compensation for serving as a director of KDP and would transfer to BDT Capital Partners any director compensation she received from KDP, including any awards made pursuant to grants of RSUs.

(7)

Mr. Pleuhs resigned from the Board effective June 10, 2021. Mr. Pleuhs served on the Board of KDP as a nominee of Mondelēz, a stockholder of KDP. Mr. Pleuhs had agreed that he would not receive any separate compensation for serving as a director of KDP and would transfer to Mondelēz any director compensation received from KDP, including any awards made pursuant to grants of RSUs.

(8)

Ms. Rochet joined the Board effective April 26, 2021.

(9)

Ms. Sandler joined the Board effective March 5, 2021.

(10)

Mr. Urdaneta joined the Board effective June 18, 2021 and resigned from the Board effective April 1, 2022. During the period he served, Mr. Urdaneta was an officer of Mondelēz and served on the Board of KDP as a nominee of Mondelēz, a stockholder of KDP. Mr. Urdaneta agreed that he would not receive any separate compensation for serving as a director of KDP and would transfer to Mondelēz any director compensation he received from KDP, including any awards made pursuant to grants of RSUs.

(11)

Mr. Van de Put’s service with the Board ended effective June 18, 2021. Mr. Van de Put is an officer of Mondelēz and served on the Board of KDP as a nominee of Mondelēz, a stockholder of KDP. Mr. Van de Put had agreed that he would not receive any separate compensation for serving as a director of KDP and would transfer to Mondelēz any director compensation he received from KDP, including any awards made pursuant to grants of RSUs.

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          17


  Executive Officers  

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Our executive officers are as follows:

Executive Officers

AgePosition

Mary Beth DeNooyer

51Chief Human Resources Officer

Ozan Dokmecioglu

50Chief Financial Officer and President, International

Robert Gamgort

59Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

Derek Hopkins

53President, Cold Beverages

Mauricio Leyva

51President, Coffee

Tony Milikin

61Chief Supply Chain Officer

Maria Sceppaguercio

60Chief Corporate Affairs Officer

Anthony Shoemaker

39Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Secretary

Justin Whitmore

39Chief Strategy Officer

For more information about Mr. Gamgort, see “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors.” Biographical information about our other executive officers is set forth below:

Mary Beth DeNooyer

Chief Human Resources Officer

Ms. DeNooyer has served as our Chief Human Resources Officer since July 2019. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. DeNooyer served as Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Pinnacle Foods Inc. from June 2013 through January 2019. From April 2011 through June 2012, Ms. DeNooyer served as Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for the division of Sara Lee which was spun-off as Hillshire Brands. From March 2010 to June 2012, Ms. DeNooyer served as Senior Vice President, Compensation and Benefits at Sara Lee. Prior to that, Ms. DeNooyer held Human Resources leadership positions at The Pepsi Bottling Group and General Mills. Ms. DeNooyer holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Drexel University and a master’s degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University.

Ozan Dokmecioglu

Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Dokmecioglu has served as our Chief Financial Officer since July 2018 and President, International, since November 2020. Prior to the Merger, Mr. Dokmecioglu served as the Chief Financial Officer of KGM beginning in May 2016. Mr. Dokmecioglu joined KGM from Kellogg Inc., where he served from 2012 until 2016 in the positions of Vice President Finance, Chief Financial Officer North America and as Vice President Finance, Chief Financial Officer Europe. Before joining Kellogg, Mr. Dokmecioglu built his career in financial leadership roles in the U.S, Europe, and Middle East with Kraft Foods Inc., Cargill Inc. and Arthur Andersen. Mr. Dokmecioglu holds a BS in Business Administration from the Middle East Technical University in Ankara, Turkey, and a certificate in Project Investment and Appraisal Management from Harvard University.

Derek Hopkins

President, Cold Beverages

Mr. Hopkins has served as President, Cold Beverages since November 2020 and was previously our Chief Commercial Officer from July 2018 to November 2020. Prior to the Merger, he was most recently Chief Integration Officer for KGM from February 2018 until July 2018, leading the Merger and, prior to that, was President of KGM’s U.S. business from 2015 until 2018. Prior to joining KGM, Mr. Hopkins spent 25 years in the beverage industry across the U.S, Canada and Europe. He has held a number of commercial, marketing and general management roles for companies including Bacardi Limited, The Coca-Cola Company, Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV, and Guinness Diageo. Mr. Hopkins holds a BBA from Texas Wesleyan University and has completed Advanced Management Programs with INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.

18          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.


  Executive Officers  

Mauricio Leyva

President, Coffee

Mr. Leyva has served as our President, Coffee, since November 2020 and was previously our President, International & Business Development, from March 2020 to November 2020. Prior to joining KDP, Mr. Leyva served as a partner of JAB from January 2020 until March 2020. Prior to joining JAB, Mr. Leyva was the Chief Executive Officer of Grupo LALA, S.A.B. de C.V., a Mexican Company, and leading dairy company from September 2018 through December 2019. Mr. Leyva served in various positions of increasing responsibility at AB InBev N.V. from 2005 until 2018, including most recently as Chief Executive Officer of Grupo Modelo. Mr. Leyva has spent 25 years building a successful career as a senior executive for various companies across the globe, specializing in beverages. Mr. Leyva holds a diploma of International Management from the ICN Postgraduate Business School at the University of Nancy, France. Mr. Leyva graduated with Honors in Commerce with a BA from the University of Los Andes in Colombia, and completed an advanced management and leadership program with the Said Business School at the University of Oxford in England.

Tony Milikin

Chief Supply Chain Officer

Mr. Milikin has served as our Chief Supply Chain Officer since September 2021. Prior to joining KDP, Mr. Milikin served as Chief Procurement, Sustainability and Circular Ventures Officer at Anheuser-Busch InBev from May 2009 to August 2021. In that position, his responsibilities included global procurement spend for one of the world’s largest brewers, as well as leadership of 70 manufacturing facilities and a robust sustainability agenda. From June 2004 to April 2009, Mr. Milikin was Senior Vice President of Supply Chain for Mead Westvaco, and from January 2000 to May 2004, he served as Vice President of Procurement and Logistics Operations for Sealy. Prior to that, Mr. Milikin held leadership positions in procurement roles with Monsanto and Alcon Labs. Mr. Milikin holds a Master of Business Administration from Texas Christian University and a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Florida.

Maria Sceppaguercio

Chief Corporate Affairs Officer

Ms. Sceppaguercio has served as our Chief Corporate Affairs Officer since July 2018. Prior to the Merger, Ms. Sceppaguercio served as Senior Vice President, Investor Relations for KGM since joining in 2018. Prior to joining KGM, Ms. Sceppaguercio was Senior Vice President of Investor Relations for Pinnacle Foods Inc. from 2012 to 2018, having built an award-winning investor relations function for the company following its initial public offering. Prior to Pinnacle Foods, Ms. Sceppaguercio held senior positions in finance, corporate communications and investor relations at Ann Taylor and Revlon, Inc. She began her career at Nabisco, where she held senior management positions in finance, strategic and business planning and investor relations during her 18-year tenure. Ms. Sceppaguercio holds an MBA from Seton Hall University and a BS in Business Administration from Montclair State University.

Anthony Shoemaker

Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Secretary

Mr. Shoemaker has served as our Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Secretary since October 2021. Mr. Shoemaker joined KDP in April 2020 as our Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Shoemaker served as Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Tenet Healthcare Corporation, where he held various positions of increasing responsibility from September 2014, and was responsible for a broad range of corporate and transactional legal matters. Prior to that, he practiced law at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP. Mr. Shoemaker graduated with a BBA in Management from Abilene Christian University and earned his JD from the University of Chicago Law School.

Justin Whitmore

Chief Strategy Officer

Mr. Whitmore has served as our Chief Strategy Officer since March 2021. Prior to joining KDP, Mr. Whitmore served as an Executive Vice President at Tyson Foods where he progressed through roles of increasing responsibility across enterprise strategy, venture investments, emerging businesses and global continuous improvement from 2017 to 2021. Mr. Whitmore was a management consultant at McKinsey & Co. from 2014 to 2017 and at Booz & Company from 2011 to 2014. Prior to that, Mr. Whitmore held various operational leadership positions of increasing responsibility at Johnson Controls. Mr. Whitmore holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame.

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          19


  Proposal 2 – Advisory Resolution to Approve Executive Compensation  

PROPOSAL 2 – ADVISORY RESOLUTIONTO APPROVE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

As required by Section 14A of the Exchange Act, the Company is asking stockholders to approve an advisory resolution on the Company’s executive compensation as reported in this Proxy Statement. As described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this Proxy Statement, executive compensation programs are designed to attract and retain talent through the alignment of pay and financial interests of our executives with stockholder value creation. We will continue to design and implement our compensation programs and policies in line with this philosophy to promote superior performance results and generate greater value for our stockholders.

Beginning in 2011, a “say on pay” advisory vote to approve executive compensation has been required for all U.S. public companies under Section 14A of the Exchange Act. Therefore, in accordance with the instructions indicatedExchange Act, and as a matter of good corporate governance, the Company is asking stockholders to approve the following non-binding advisory resolution at the 2022 Annual Meeting:

“RESOLVED, that the stockholders of Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (the “Company”) approve, on such proxies or voting instruction forms and, if no such instructions are indicated thereon, will be voted (i) FOR each director nominee listedan advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers disclosed in the electionCompensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and the narrative discussion in the Proxy Statement for the Company’s 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.”

Because your vote on this proposal (ii)is advisory, it will not be binding on the Board. However, the RemCo and the Board will consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions.

LOGO

The Board unanimously recommends that KDP’s stockholders vote “FOR” the approval of the Advisory Resolution to Approve KDP’s Executive Compensation

20          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.


  Compensation Discussion and Analysis  

FORCOMPENSATION DISCUSSIONAND ANALYSIS

The Compensation Discussion and Analysis that follows describes our executive compensation philosophy and programs, as well as the ratification proposal, (iii) FORRemCo’s compensation-setting process and the 20182021 compensation proposal,of our named executive officers (“NEOs”).

Our NEOs for fiscal 2021 are:

Robert GamgortOzan DokmeciogluMauricio LeyvaTony MilikinFernando CortesJustin Whitmore
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer and President, InternationalPresident, CoffeeChief Supply Chain OfficerFormer Chief Supply Chain OfficerChief Strategy
Officer

Mr. Milikin joined the Company and (iv) FORwas appointed as Chief Supply Chain Officer, effective September 7, 2021, as successor to Mr. Cortes, whose employment with the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan proposal.Company ended on September 24, 2021 after a short transition period. Mr. Whitmore joined the Company and was appointed as Chief Strategy Officer, effective March 1, 2021.

Table of Contents

Overview21
Q:Roles and Responsibilities with Regard to CompensationWhat if I want to change my vote?24
A:
Peer Group, Market Data and Benchmarking
At any time prior to the completion of voting at the annual meeting, you may change your vote either by:24
giving written notice to our Corporate Secretary revoking your proxy;
by submitting a later-dated proxy by telephone or electronically before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on June 6, 2019;
by a later-dated mailed proxy received before the close of the annual meeting on June 6, 2019; or
by voting online at the annual meeting.
2021 Compensation Decisions25
Q:Other MattersWhen and where is the virtual annual meeting?29
A:Executive Compensation Tables31

Overview

2021 Performance Highlights

During 2021, KDP achieved exceptional financial and operational performance, including:

Net Sales

$12.68B

p9.2%

as compared to 2020

Net income

$2.15B

p62%

as compared to 2020

Added approximately

3M

new U.S. households

using the Keurig coffee brewing system

Gained market share

in more than

75%

of the Company’s cold beverage retail base

These strong results, coupled with the Company’s remarkable performance since 2018, meant that KDP had delivered on its bold three-year targets set at the time of the Merger. To fulfill the Company’s commitments, KDP has transformed from a new challenger in the beverage industry to a Modern Beverage Company.

While the Company has evolved, the compensation philosophy driving the performance of its senior leaders has remained constant. Since the Merger, KDP’s Board has required senior executives to acquire and hold a significant amount of Company shares over long time horizons through the Elite Investment Program. These compensation practices distinguish KDP from most of its peers, and the Board believes they are a key component of the Company’s success. KDP’s Board seeks senior executives who are more than managers and truly act as co-owners of the enterprise alongside its stockholders.

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          21


  Compensation Discussion and Analysis  

Following the Merger in July 2018…

Net Sales CAGR* of

4.8%

for 2019 to 2021**

compared to Merger target range of

2 to 3%

Adjusted EPS CAGR* of

15.4%

for 2019 to 2021**

compared to Merger target range of

15 to 17%

Total Stockholder Return of

98.6%

at year-end 2021

since the Merger in July 2018***

Our Compensation Philosophy & Practices

The primary objectives of our executive compensation program are to:

Attract and retain highly qualified and experienced executives

Motivate executives to achieve KDP’s strategic goals and adhere to our values

Encourage, reinforce and reward delivery of stockholder value

Align executives’ interests with stockholders’ interests by requiring purchase and retention of significant levels of KDP stock

Elements of KDP’s Compensation Program

NEO compensation consists of base salary, annual cash incentive awards under our Short-Term Incentive Plan (“STIP”), annual equity awards under our Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”), and our unique Elite Investment Program (“Elite”).

ELEMENT

DESCRIPTIONOBJECTIVE

Base Salary

Fixed cash paid regularly during the year

See page 25 for more information

To attract and retain highly qualified executives by offering salaries that are competitive with market opportunities and that reflect each executive’s position, role, responsibility and experience

Short-Term Incentive Plan

Variable performance-based cash payment based on achievement of annual performance goals, paid during the first quarter of the subsequent year

See page 25 for more information

To motivate and reward executives for meeting challenging, objective performance goals across three categories: growth, profit and cash

Annual LTIP Awards

Time-based restricted stock units (“RSUs”) that vest over five years

See page 27 for more information

To reward performance over the longer term by encouraging focus on the long-term value of the stock while discouraging excessive risk taking to optimize short-term and non-sustainable performance

Elite Investment Program

Required purchases of significant levels of KDP common stock coupled with a one-for-one matching award of RSUs (“Matching RSUs”) that generally cliff vest in five years

See page 27 for more information

To directly align the interests of executives with stockholders by requiring significant personal investment in the Company over an extended period of time

*

Net Sales CAGR and Adjusted EPS CAGR are non-GAAP measures. Please see the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 (our “2021 Form 10-K”).

**

Based on 2018 pro forma results.

***

Source: FactSet data showing change in share price plus reinvestment of dividends from July 9, 2018 to December 31, 2021.

22          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.


  Compensation Discussion and Analysis  

Competitive Pay Tied Closely to Long-Term Performance

To retain the right talent needed to lead our Modern Beverage Company, and to align the interests of our NEOs with our stockholders, a significant portion of executive compensation is tied to Company performance in the form of annual cash incentives and equity awards as well as required participation in our Elite Investment Program. Elite provides an opportunity for executives to realize substantial value when they invest their own funds alongside our stockholders and incentivizes commitment to the long-term performance of the Company.

The RemCo generally reviews and targets the 50th percentile market pay level when assessing annual cash compensation, the 75th percentile when assessing equity compensation, and between the 50th and 75th percentile when assessing total compensation. We benchmark our compensation against a peer group of companies with whom we compete for key talent (the “Compensation Peer Group”), which is described more fully below. We also provide certain limited benefits and perquisites that are in line with general market practice and represent an insignificant element of compensation for our NEOs.

Compensation Policies and Governance Practices

Our compensation governance policies further align our executives’ interests with those of our stockholders and are designed to manage risk and follow best practices:

Significant stock ownership required. KDP’s Board strongly believes that to successfully deliver stockholder value over the long term, significant long-term stock ownership by our NEOs is nonnegotiable. All NEOs and other senior executives must participate in the Elite Investment Program, which requires substantial investment in our Company and maintaining that entire investment for at least five years until the underlying equity incentive fully vests. Our CEO, for example, is subject to a $25 million stock ownership requirement under Elite. Messrs. Gamgort, Dokmecioglu, Leyva and Whitmore have each made substantial personal investments in KDP stock during their tenures and as of the record date collectively own common stock valued at approximately $260 million. Mr. Milikin, who was hired in 2021, will have until September 14, 2022 to make his first investments in KDP stock under Elite. Mr. Cortes, who left KDP during 2021, participated in the Elite Investment Program until his termination of employment.

No tax gross-ups. Any personal income taxes due as a result of compensation and/or perquisites, other than reimbursement for taxes incurred with respect to certain relocation or housing expenses, are the responsibility of the NEOs. We do not provide tax gross-ups on any change-in-control benefits.

Incentives do not encourage excessive risk taking. In order to assess the risk inherent in the design of our compensation program, the RemCo periodically reviews our plans and programs and has determined that our compensation program is not designed to encourage excessive risk taking. For example, we continue to utilize multiple performance measures under the annual STIP to reduce the risk of over-concentration on a single business or financial metric, while our equity awards generally have five-year vesting periods tied to continued employment with the Company, which discourages excessive risk taking intended to optimize short-term and non-sustainable performance.

Clawback provisions in our incentive compensation programs. Our short-term and long-term incentive compensation, including gains from equity compensation and the Elite Investment Program, is subject to recoupment, or clawback, in certain circumstances. In addition to any clawbacks required by law, regulation or applicable listing standards, the clawback policy allows KDP to recoup payments in the event of a financial restatement from any executive covering the compensation that was paid to such executive in excess of restated values for the three-year period preceding any accounting period which is restated.

Double-trigger equity award vesting upon a change of control. All active equity compensation plans and programs that provide for additional or accelerated payment or fully accelerated vesting in connection with a change in the control of the Company, including the annual LTIP awards and the Matching RSUs issued pursuant to the Elite Investment Program, require a “double-trigger,” which means that accelerated vesting of equity will only occur upon a termination of employment in connection with a change of control (and not solely as a result of the completion of a change in control transaction).

No hedging. Under our insider trading policy, all employees and members of the Board are prohibited from engaging in any speculative transactions in KDP securities, including engaging in short sales, transactions involving put options, call options or other derivative securities, or any other forms of hedging transactions, such as collars or forward sale contracts.

No backdating or repricing of equity awards, including stock options. While stock options are not currently part of our compensation mix, repricing of stock options and issuing stock options at below-market exercise prices are strictly prohibited by our equity incentive plan, and any options we would grant must have an exercise price at least equal to the fair market value of our stock on the date of grant.

Minimal perquisites. NEO perquisites are evaluated annually by the RemCo and determined to be reasonable and do not represent a significant portion of any NEO’s total compensation.

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          23


  Compensation Discussion and Analysis  

Roles and Responsibilities with Regard to Compensation

Role of the RemCo and Board

Our RemCo annually evaluates and approves compensation for our NEOs and full executive leadership team, including equity awards, bonus payouts and any changes in compensation packages. The RemCo’s determinations regarding the compensation of our executive officers take into account a variety of factors, including recommendations by our Chairman and CEO (except regarding himself) and other factors the RemCo believes are appropriate. Changes in overall target compensation levels are typically only approved in the event of significant changes in responsibility or market positioning.

Role of Compensation Consultant

Since 2020, the RemCo has engaged Frederic W. Cook & Co. (“FW Cook”) to provide information regarding the Compensation Peer Group and compensation benchmarking data for NEOs and executive-level positions, as well as information about market practices for equity compensation and plan governance. Each year, the RemCo assesses the independence of the compensation consultant, and for 2021, the RemCo concluded that FW Cook is independent, and no conflict of interest exists that would prevent FW Cook from providing this information to the RemCo.

FW Cook reports directly to the RemCo, with input from certain members of senior management. All decisions with respect to the amount and form of NEO compensation under our executive compensation programs are made solely by the RemCo and the Board, and may reflect factors and considerations other than the information provided by FW Cook.

Role of Stockholders

As part of its annual processes, the RemCo considers the results of the stockholder advisory vote on our executive compensation from prior years. Our stockholders have expressed strong support of our executive compensation programs to date, with 98.3% of votes cast in 2021 supporting the advisory vote and at least 99.7% approving in each of 2019 and 2020. While the Board believes that our executive compensation programs have been successful in aligning management and stockholder interests, the RemCo will continue to design and implement our compensation programs and policies in line with this philosophy to promote superior performance results and generate greater value for our stockholders.

Peer Group, Market Data and Benchmarking

In establishing compensation for our NEOs, the RemCo considers the compensation practices of the Compensation Peer Group and the pay levels for similar roles among the Compensation Peer Group companies. In assessing pay levels for the NEOs, the RemCo considers a total compensation range between the 50th and 75th percentile as reasonable given the aggressive KDP business plan goals under the STIP and the high levels of “at-risk” pay for all KDP senior executives.

The RemCo periodically reviews the make-up of the Compensation Peer Group. The Compensation Peer Group includes companies that compete directly with us for executive talent and compete with us in the marketplace for business and investment opportunities.

The 2021 Compensation Peer Group remained the same as 2020 and was comprised of the following companies:

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

The Kraft Heinz Company

Campbell Soup Company

McCormick & Company, Incorporated

Chocoladenfabriken Lindt & Sprungli AG

Mondelēz International, Inc.

The Coca-Cola Company

Nestle S.A

Danone SA

PepsiCo, Inc.

Diageo plc

The Procter & Gamble Company

The Hershey Company

Reckitt Benckiser Group plc

Kellogg Company

Unilever PLC

24          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.


  Compensation Discussion and Analysis  

2021 Compensation Decisions

The specific compensation elements and decisions applicable to our NEOs’ 2021 compensation are described in detail below.

Base Salary

Base salaries provide executives with a secure, fixed base of cash compensation in recognition of individual responsibilities and job performance. Salary levels are reviewed annually by the RemCo, and any salary increases are approved after a comparative analysis of base salaries for similar positions among the Compensation Peer Group. When determining base salaries and salary increases, the RemCo considers external market conditions in addition to total direct compensation targets and personal performance. In fiscal year 2021, none of the NEOs received a base salary increase. Each NEO’s annual base salary during 2021 follows:

NEO

  Base Salary 

Robert Gamgort

  $1,500,000 

Ozan Dokmecioglu

  $850,000 

Mauricio Leyva

  $850,000 

Tony Milikin

  $750,000 

Fernando Cortes

  $600,000 

Justin Whitmore

  $575,000 

Short-Term Incentive Plan

The STIP is a key component of KDP’s annual compensation program and is designed to link performance-based, at-risk annual cash incentives to the achievement of predetermined financial performance goals that correspond directly with the Company’s annual business plan and external earnings guidance. The RemCo believes that aligning bonus payouts directly with these key quantifiable performance targets encourages and rewards the achievement of financial metrics that the RemCo believes correspond to stock price performance.

STIP Structure

For 2021, we established one set of performance goals for all 7,000 STIP participants to emphasize teamwork in light of economic uncertainty and continuing challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The STIP has a single payout scale for all job levels with a minimum payout of 0% and a maximum payout of 250% of target STIP award for all bonus-eligible employees, in line with our pay-for-performance philosophy. We believe that having one set of goals to measure against supports our Company core value of “Team First” and has contributed significantly to the Company’s strong performance in 2021.

Target STIP awards for each NEO are set as a percentage of such NEO’s base salary, with Mr. Gamgort’s 2021 target at 150% of base salary and the other NEOs at 80%. Payouts are based on the Company’s achievement on three categories of quantifiable metrics that are aligned with our annual business plan:

Growth, measured by total Net Sales

Profit, measured by Adjusted Operating Income (“OI”)(1)

Cash, measured by Net Working Capital as a percent of Net Sales(2)

These three metrics are designed to be quantifiable and visible by employees throughout the year to enable employees to track performance. They also encourage focus on achieving the Company’s annual operating plan.

In the first quarter of 2021, the RemCo determined performance targets for each metric at the levels reflected in the table below, with the “Good” (Target) level for the Profit and Cash metrics set to correspond with the Company’s annual operating plan approved by the Board, and the “Good” (Target) level for the Growth metric set to correspond with the high end of our external guidance range.

(1)

For adjustments applied to Income from operations to reach Adjusted OI, see the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of our 2021 Form 10-K.

(2)

The Net Working Capital metric is calculated as follows: (Trade accounts receivable, net + Inventories - Accounts payable) / Net sales

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          25


  Compensation Discussion and Analysis  

   KDP 2021 STIP Performance Targets 

Metric

(in millions, except %s)

  Unacceptable
(Threshold)
   Marginal   Acceptable   

Good

(Target)

   Very Good   

Excellent

(Maximum)

 

Growth – Net Sales(1)

  $11,850   $11,927   $12,005   $12,082   $12,315   $12,547 

Profit – Adjusted OI(2)

  $3,392   $3,424   $3,456   $3,488   $3,576   $3,654 

Cash – Net Working Capital

   (15.9%)    (16.4%)    (16.9%)    (18.1%)    (19.4%)    (20.6%) 

(1)

In determining the target level achieved for Net Sales, the performance targets presented above are adjusted so that they are measured on a constant currency basis.

(2)

In determining the target level achieved for Adjusted OI, the performance targets presented above are further adjusted so that they are measured on a constant currency basis and exclude the impact of the STIP award payment.

Achievement levels on each metric correspond to a payout multiple set by the RemCo, as reflected in the table below.

   KDP 2021 STIP Payout Multiples 

Metric

  Unacceptable  Marginal  Acceptable  Good  Very Good  Excellent   

Growth – Net Sales

   70  80  90  100  125  145

Profit – Adjusted OI

   0  33  80  100  125  145

Cash – Net Working Capital

   70  80  90  100  115  119

The payout multiple achieved for each of the three metrics (interpolating linearly between each award level, as appropriate) are then multiplied together to determine the total payout multiplier for the STIP, as shown below. Importantly, if the Company performs at or below the “Unacceptable” (Threshold) level for the Profit metric, the entire bonus payout will be zero.

2021 Performance Results and Payouts

For 2021, for each metric, the Company achieved the results reflected in the table below. These results correspond to the target levels achieved and the payout multiples shown in the table below:

Metric

(in millions, except %s)

  Actual
Results
   Target Level
Achieved
  Corresponding
Payout Multiple
 

Growth – Net Sales(1)

  $12,683   Excellent   145

Profit – Adjusted OI(2)

  $3,421   Marginal – Acceptable   58

Cash – Net Working Capital

   (17.9%)   Acceptable – Good   98

(1)

In determining the target level achieved for Net Sales, the actual results presented above are adjusted so that they are measured on a constant currency basis.

(2)

In determining the target level achieved for Adjusted OI, the actual results presented above are further adjusted so that they are measured on a constant currency basis and exclude the impact of the STIP award payment.

The Growth payout multiple, the Profit payout multiple and the Cash payout multiple above were all multiplied together to determine the total payout multiplier for 2021 STIP awards. This resulted in a total payout multiplier of 82% for 2021, as reflected below:

 

Growth Payout
Multiple

 × 

 

Profit Payout Multiple

 × 

 

Cash Payout Multiple

 = 

 

Total Payout Multiplier

145%

 × 58% × 98% = 82%

2021 STIP awards were calculated and paid in the first quarter of 2022 upon certification by the RemCo of the achievement levels discussed above. The table below shows target payout levels and actual STIP awards earned by each NEO for 2021.

NEO

  Target
2021 STIP Payouts
   Actual
2021 STIP Payout
 

Robert Gamgort

  $2,250,000   $1,845,000 

Ozan Dokmecioglu

  $680,000   $557,600 

Mauricio Leyva

  $680,000   $557,600 

Tony Milikin

  $190,685(1)   $156,362(1) 

Fernando Cortes

  $351,123(1)   $287,921(1) 

Justin Whitmore

  $385,644(1)   $316,228(1) 

(1) Reflects proration for the portion of 2021 during which he was employed by the Company.

26          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.


  Compensation Discussion and Analysis  

Long-Term Incentive Compensation

Long-term stock ownership of the executive team is the cornerstone of KDP’s compensation philosophy. The Board encourages long-term ownership through annual grants of Restricted Stock Units under our LTIP, an obligatory and substantial personal investment in KDP shares under our Elite Investment Program and a stock ownership requirement. Our equity compensation programs encourage retention of and long-term focus by our NEOs by giving them a direct ownership stake in our future growth and financial success.

Annual RSU Awards

We closely align the interests of our NEOs with those of our stockholders through a compensation program which pays a significant portion of total compensation in the form of at-risk equity. The compensation program for our NEOs features long-term equity-based compensation under the LTIP generally awarded in the form of RSUs.

The structure of KDP’s annual equity awards focuses our executives on increasing stockholder value over a sustained period of time. Annual awards under the LTIP and Matching RSUs have generally been subject to five-year vesting periods tied to continued employment with the Company and other vesting conditions.

We typically only grant LTIP awards on two days each year—one in March and one in September. Annual LTIP awards are made in March, and in September we issue “half grants” to those executives who joined the Company after the March grant date but before the September grant date. Prior to 2020, annual RSUs had been structured to vest in full on the fifth anniversary of the grant date. In 2020, the RemCo modified the vesting schedule for awards to NEOs and other similarly situated executives to better align with market norms of our public peers, while still maintaining a lengthy vesting period. Annual RSUs granted in or after 2020 vest 60% on the third anniversary of the date of grant, with 20% vesting on each of the fourth and fifth anniversaries.

In determining the number of shares that will be issued in connection with an award under the LTIP, the Company divides the dollar amount of an award approved by the RemCo by the closing price per share of KDP common stock on the date of grant for the award. The table below reflects the values of the annual LTIP awards to NEOs in 2021, as approved by the RemCo.

NEO

  Annual LTIP Award 

Robert Gamgort

  $4,700,000 

Ozan Dokmecioglu

  $2,200,000 

Mauricio Leyva

  $2,200,000 

Tony Milikin

  $750,000(1) 

Fernando Cortes

  $1,500,000(2) 

Justin Whitmore

  $1,200,000 

(1)

Represents a “half grant” that Mr. Milikin received in September 2021.

(2)

The annual RSUs granted to Mr. Cortes were canceled and forfeited upon his separation from the Company in September 2021.

Elite Investment Program

In addition to annual equity awards, to reinforce significant long-term stock ownership by our NEOs, all Senior Vice Presidents and above (including all NEOs) at the Company are required to participate in our Elite Investment Program. This program distinguishes KDP from most of its peers and ensures senior executives have a meaningful, long-term investment at stake in the Company’s performance. Under Elite, at the time of initial hiring or promotion, the executive makes a substantial personal commitment to a specific level of investment (within a minimum and maximum range set by the Company) in KDP common stock (the “Commitment Amount”) according to their job level and business scope.

The opportunity to participate in Elite is typically a one-time opportunity upon achieving eligibility. For each share of KDP common stock purchased (each, an “Elite Share”) up to the threshold Commitment Amount, the executive receives one Matching RSU that vests on the fifth anniversary of grant, subject to the executive’s ongoing employment with the Company and the continuous ownership of the full Commitment Amount. Each executive has approximately a one-year period (the “Investment Period”) to purchase Elite Shares to meet his or her Commitment Amount.

Taken together, to receive the benefit of the Matching RSUs, an executive participating in Elite must acquire enough Elite Shares to meet at least the minimum Commitment Amount in the first year of eligibility and then continue to hold them for the remainder of the five-year vesting period. All Matching RSUs will be immediately forfeited if the executive fails to maintain the chosen Commitment Amount or if the executive’s service with the Company is terminated before the vesting date except in the event of death, disability, change in control or retirement at age 60 with five years of service.

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          27


  Compensation Discussion and Analysis  

When benchmarking the annual value of long-term incentive awards as part of our executives’ compensation, the RemCo takes into account twenty percent (20%) of the grant value of any outstanding Matching RSUs awarded to an executive under Elite.

Messrs. Gamgort, Dokmecioglu, Leyva and Whitmore previously fulfilled their respective Commitment Amounts upon becoming eligible to participate in Elite.

Upon his promotion to Chief Supply Chain Officer in 2018, Mr. Cortes elected to invest the minimum Commitment Amount. In 2021, the RemCo offered Mr. Cortes an opportunity to invest further to reach the maximum Commitment Amount. Accordingly, in May 2021, the RemCo approved a grant of $2,000,000 of Matching RSUs to Mr. Cortes. These Matching RSUs were forfeited upon Mr. Cortes’s departure in September 2021.

Upon joining the Company in March 2021, Mr. Whitmore became eligible to participate in the Elite Investment Program, pursuant to which he elected to invest $3,000,000 in KDP common stock. As a result, the Company granted Mr. Whitmore $3,000,000 of Matching RSUs in March 2021, to match his Commitment Amount.

Upon joining the Company in September 2021, Mr. Milikin became eligible to participate in the Elite Investment Program, pursuant to which he elected to invest $5,000,000 in KDP common stock. As a result, the Company granted Mr. Milikin $5,000,000 of Matching RSUs in September 2021, to match his Commitment Amount. Mr. Milikin will have until September 14, 2022 to purchase sufficient shares to fulfill his Commitment Amount.

2020 Performance-Based Awards to Mr. Gamgort

In 2020, the RemCo added performance vesting conditions to Mr. Gamgort’s “Reinvestment” RSUs granted in 2020 to create strong incentives over a targeted three-year period. In particular, the RemCo established the following performance conditions with respect to 75% of Mr. Gamgort’s Reinvestment RSUs:

KDP’s relative Total Shareholder Return (TSR) is compared to the S&P 500 over one, two and three-year periods with one-third of the performance-based RSUs available to vest after each measurement period.

For each of the three measurement periods, if the Company’s TSR is below the 50th percentile, payout for that tranche of units will be 0%.

The full target amount of RSUs awarded can vest only if TSR achieves the 80th percentile or better in each of the three measurement periods, with no potential for a payout above 100% of target.

One third of Mr. Gamgort’s performance-based Reinvestment RSUs were eligible to vest on January 15, 2022, but the performance conditions were not met. As a result, those RSUs were canceled and forfeited.

Stock Ownership Requirement

In May 2021, to further align the interests of our NEOs with those of our stockholders, the RemCo established stock ownership requirements for all Vice Presidents and above, including all NEOs (for purposes of this section, “executives”) at the Company. The stock ownership requirement is separate and apart from the Elite Investment Program, but the minimum stock ownership requirement for each executive matches that executive’s minimum level of investment in Elite, with the exception of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, whose minimum stock ownership requirements are lower than their minimum levels of investment in Elite. The table below shows the minimum stock ownership requirement for the NEOs as an estimated multiple of the NEO’s base salary.

Job Level

Minimum Stock Ownership Requirement, as an Estimated
Multiple of Salary

Chief Executive Officer

10x

Chief Financial Officer

6x

Executive Leadership Team

3 – 6x

The Company expects that NEOs will meet their minimum stock ownership requirements within one year of their first grant of Matching RSUs under Elite. Shares that an executive beneficially owns count toward the executive’s minimum stock ownership requirement, but unvested equity awards are excluded. Until the stock ownership requirement is met, executives must maintain 50% of after-tax shares upon any equity vesting. If an executive does not meet the stock ownership requirement within the allotted time period, his or her future LTIP awards may be forfeited, subject to the RemCo’s discretion. Messrs. Gamgort, Dokmecioglu, Leyva and Whitmore have fulfilled their respective stock ownership requirements. Mr. Milikin, who joined the Company in September 2021, will have until September 14, 2022 to meet his stock ownership requirement. Mr. Cortes had fulfilled his stock ownership requirement prior to his separation from the Company.

28          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.


  Compensation Discussion and Analysis  

Inducement Awards to Mr. Whitmore

At the time he was hired in March 2021, as an inducement to join the Company, Mr. Whitmore received a one-time sign-on grant of RSUs with a value of $2,500,000, vesting over five years with 25% vesting on each of the second, third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the grant. Mr. Whitmore also became eligible to participate in the Elite Investment Program, pursuant to which he elected to invest $3,000,000. As a result, the Company granted Mr. Whitmore $3,000,000 of Matching RSUs in March 2021, which will vest on the fifth anniversary of his enrollment in the Elite program.

Additionally, Mr. Whitmore received a one-time cash sign-on bonus of $2,000,000 in recognition of unvested short- and long-term incentives from his prior employer. In the event that Mr. Whitmore resigns from KDP prior to the second anniversary of his date of hire, 100% of this sign-on bonus is repayable to KDP.

Inducement Awards to Mr. Milikin

At the time he was hired in September 2021, Mr. Milikin received a one-time sign-on grant of RSUs with a value of $5,000,000 intended to replace certain equity incentives which were forfeited by Mr. Milikin upon leaving his prior employer. This award vests over five years with 60% vesting on the third anniversary of the grant, and 20% vesting on each of the fourth and fifth anniversaries. Mr. Milikin also became eligible to participate in the Elite Investment Program, pursuant to which he elected to invest $5,000,000. As a result, the Company granted Mr. Milikin $5,000,000 of Matching RSUs in September 2021, which will vest on the fifth anniversary of his enrollment in the Elite program, subject to Mr. Milikin’s purchase of sufficient shares to fulfill his Commitment Amount. Mr. Milikin will have until September 14, 2022 to purchase sufficient shares.

2022 Succession Plan

As discussed on page 2, in April 2022 KDP announced its succession plan pursuant to which the Board has appointed Mr. Dokmecioglu as the Company’s next CEO and Mr. Gamgort has committed to serve as Executive Chairman for two years. All changes will be effective July 29, 2022 (the “Transition Date”), at which time Mr. Dokmecioglu will also join the Board.

Mr. Dokmecioglu’s Compensation Arrangements

In connection with his appointment as Chief Executive Officer and effective on the Transition Date, Mr. Dokmecioglu will receive an annual base salary of $1,250,000 and will be eligible to receive an annual bonus at a target level of 150% of his base salary. He will be granted two long-term incentive awards: (i) in September 2022, an award of RSUs with a grant date value of $900,000, which will vest 60% on the third anniversary of the date of grant and 20% on each of the fourth and fifth anniversaries of the date of grant, and (ii) on or around the Transition Date, an award of RSUs with a grant date value of $14,000,000, which RSUs will vest in one-third installments on each of the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the date of grant, subject to his continued employment, maintenance of shareholdings at an amount equal to the award, and other vesting conditions.

Mr. Gamgort’s Compensation Arrangements

In connection with his transition, the Company entered into a letter agreement with Mr. Gamgort (the “Letter Agreement”) with an employment term commencing on the Transition Date and ending on July 26, 2024 (the “Term”). Pursuant to the Letter Agreement, Mr. Gamgort will receive an annual base salary of $1,000,000 and will be eligible to receive an annual bonus at a target level of 100% of his base salary. Mr. Gamgort will also be granted a long-term incentive award on or around the Transition Date with a grant date value of $5,000,000 in the form of RSUs that will fully vest at the end of the Term, subject to his continued employment and other vesting conditions.

Mr. Gamgort commits in the Letter Agreement that he will continue to hold, and not sell, at least 50% of the number of shares of the Company’s common stock that he holds as of April 5, 2022 through the end of the Term. Mr. Gamgort further commits that, during the Term, he will (i) not engage in any other business, profession or occupation for compensation or which would conflict or interfere with his duties as Executive Chairman, and (ii) serve on no more than one other public company board of directors in addition to the Company.

Other Matters

General Benefits and Perquisites

Our NEOs participate in the same benefit plans generally available to our employees. These benefit plans include health, dental and vision insurance, life insurance and disability coverage. NEOs receive the same coverage as the rest of our employees.

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          29


  Compensation Discussion and Analysis  

While we may provide NEOs with reasonable perquisites on an individual basis, such perquisites do not make up a significant part of any NEO’s total compensation. All perquisites with an aggregate value of at least $10,000 received by an NEO are detailed in the footnotes to the Summary Compensation Table.

Retirement and Pension Benefits

NEOs are eligible to participate in the Company’s qualified 401(k) plan, which includes a company match of 100% on the first 6% of employee contributions within certain statutory limitations under the Code. We do not maintain or make contributions to a defined benefit plan for any of our NEOs.

Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment

The employment agreements for Messrs. Gamgort and Dokmecioglu, and our compensation plans, provide for certain payments and incremental benefits if a NEO’s employment is terminated under certain circumstances. There are no tax gross-ups provided in connection with these payments or incremental benefits. These payments and incremental benefits are discussed under “Post-Termination Compensation” beginning on page 35.

Change in Control

All active equity compensation plans and programs that provide for additional or accelerated payment or fully accelerated vesting in connection with a change in the control of the Company, including annual LTIP awards, the Matching RSUs, and all other equity awards, require a “double-trigger,” which means that accelerated vesting of equity will only occur upon a termination of employment in connection with a change of control (and not solely as a result of the completion of a change in control transaction). The equity awards vest in full upon a qualifying termination in connection with a change of control.

Tax and Accounting Implications

Section 162(m) of the Code, generally limits, for U.S. corporate income tax purposes, the annual tax deductibility of compensation paid to certain current and former executive officers to $1 million. Although the Company believes that tax deductibility of executive compensation is an important consideration, the RemCo in its judgement may, nevertheless, authorize compensation payments that are not fully tax deductible, and/or modify compensation programs and practices without regard for tax deductibility when it believes that such compensation is appropriate.

Report of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee

In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Remuneration and Nomination Committee reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis set forth in this Proxy Statement.

In reliance on the review and discussions referred to above, the Remuneration and Nomination Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 (through incorporation by reference to this Proxy Statement).

The Remuneration and Nomination Committee

Paul S. Michaels, Chair

Michael Call

Debra Sandler

30          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.


  Compensation Discussion and Analysis  

Executive Compensation Tables

The executive compensation disclosure contained in this section reflects compensation information for 2021 for our NEOs.

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth information regarding the compensation earned by our NEOs in fiscal years 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Name and Principal

Position

 Year  Salary ($)(1)  Bonus ($)  Stock
Awards ($)(2)
  Option
Awards
($)
  Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(3)
  Change in
Pension Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings ($)
  All Other
Compensation(4)
  Total 

Robert Gamgort
Chairman and CEO

  2021  $1,528,846     $4,297,860     $1,845,000     $100,815  $7,772,521 
  2020  $1,557,692     $18,334,997     $2,407,500     $210,347  $22,510,536 
  2019  $1,500,000     $5,500,015   $2,047,500     $157,406  $9,204,921 

Ozan Dokmecioglu
Chief Financial Officer & President International

  2021  $866,346     $2,011,772     $557,600     $17,354  $3,453,072 
  2020  $882,692     $13,200,021     $727,600     $18,265  $14,828,578 
  2019  $848,077     $2,600,024     $618,800     $42,321  $4,109,222 

Mauricio Leyva
President, Coffee(5)

  2021  $866,346     $2,011,772     $557,600     $17,100  $3,452,818 
  2020  $676,731  $5,500,000(6)  $22,200,017     $586,454     $22,137  $28,985,339 

Tony Milikin
Chief Supply Chain Officer(5)(7)

  2021  $242,308     $9,789,313     $156,362     $5,192  $10,193,175 

Fernando Cortes
Former Chief Supply Chain Officer(7)

  2021  $438,462     $3,170,803     $287,921     $3,953,554  $7,850,740 
  2020  $538,462     $1,200,009     $442,267     $29,940  $2,210,678 
  2019  $500,000     $1,500,011     $364,000     $79,895  $2,443,906 

Justin Whitmore
Chief Strategy Officer(5)

  2021  $486,538  $2,000,000(8)  $6,032,544     $316,228     $11,279  $8,846,589 

(1)

Certain amounts shown in the “Salary” column for 2021 are higher than the 2021 annual base salary levels discussed on page 25 due to one additional pay cycle occurring for some employees in calendar year 2021.

(2)

The amounts reported in the Stock Awards column reflect the grant date fair value associated with awards of RSUs to each of the NEOs. Assumptions used to calculate these amounts (disregarding forfeiture assumptions) are included in Note 11 “Stock-Based Compensation,” to our Consolidated Financial Statements, which are included in our 2021 Form 10-K. In accordance with ASC 718, the amounts reported in this column are lower than the face value of the awards when approved because the RSUs do not accrue or otherwise participate in the Company’s dividends prior to vesting. For further information on the stock awards granted in fiscal year 2021, see “—Grants of Plan-Based Awards” beginning on page 32.

(3)

The amounts reporting in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column reflect the amounts earned by each NEO under the 2021 STIP.

(4)

Amounts reported in the All Other Compensation column reflect other compensation for each NEO, including (i) the cost of personal use of corporate aircraft, (ii) certain relocation or housing expenses, (iii) amounts contributed by the Company to tax-qualified defined contributions plans and non-tax qualified contribution plans and (iv) for Mr. Cortes, compensation relating to his separation from the Company. The following table provides additional details around these amounts:

Name

  Corporate
Aircraft(a)
   

Relocation /

Housing(b)

   Company
Contributions(c)
   Separation-
Related
Compensation(d)
 

Robert Gamgort

  $32,293   $51,422   $17,100     

Ozan Dokmecioglu

  $254       $17,100     

Mauricio Leyva

          $17,100     

Tony Milikin

          $5,192     

Fernando Cortes

          $17,400   $3,936,154 

Justin Whitmore

          $11,279     

(a)

For SEC purposes, the cost of personal use of a corporate aircraft is calculated based on the aggregate incremental cost to the Company. We calculated the aggregate incremental cost using estimated variable costs of operating the aircraft. Fixed costs which do not change based on usage, such as pilot salaries, depreciation of aircraft and cost of maintenance are excluded.

(b)

Due to the Company’s dual corporate headquarters in Massachusetts and Texas, the Company leases an apartment for Mr. Gamgort in Burlington, Massachusetts and pays for utilities for the apartment.

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          31


  Compensation Discussion and Analysis  

(c)

The amounts reported in the Company Contributions column represent our contributions to the tax-qualified defined contribution plans and non-tax qualified defined contribution plans.

(d)

As described under “Post-Termination Compensation” below, Mr. Cortes received severance benefits in the amount of $1,620,000, paid in the form of salary continuation, consistent with an involuntary termination in accordance with the Company’s Severance Pay Plan for Executives; $436,154 of this amount was paid in 2021. Mr. Cortes was also paid a $3,500,000 Leadership Integration Bonus in connection with his separation, as described further below on page 37.

(5)

Mr. Leyva was not a NEO in 2019, and Messrs. Milikin and Whitmore were not NEOs in 2019 or 2020. In accordance with the SEC disclosure requirements, their compensation disclosure is provided only for the year in which they were NEOs.

(6)

Reflects a cash sign-on bonus paid in March 2020 intended as an inducement to join the Company.

(7)

Mr. Cortes served as our Chief Supply Chain Officer from July 2018 to September 2021. Mr. Milikin began serving as our Chief Supply Chain Officer in September 2021 in connection with Mr. Cortes’s departure.

(8)

Reflects a cash sign-on bonus paid in March 2021 intended as an inducement to join the Company.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table sets forth information regarding equity plan awards and non-equity incentive plan awards by us to our NEOs in fiscal year 2021. For a discussion of the material terms of these awards, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” beginning on page 21.

Name

 Grant
Date
  Estimated Future Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards(1)
  

Estimated Future Payouts

Under Equity Incentive

Plan Awards

  All Other Stock Awards:
Number of Shares of
Stock or Units
(#)(2)
  Grant Date Fair Value
of Stock and Option
Awards ($)(3)
 
 Threshold
($)
  Target
($)
  Maximum
($)
  

Threshold

(#)

  

Target

(#)

  

Maximum

(#)

 

Robert Gamgort

      2,250,000   5,625,000      
  3/3/2021(4)         153,495   4,297,860 

Ozan Dokmecioglu

      680,000   1,700,000      
  3/3/2021(4)         71,849   2,011,772 

Mauricio Leyva

      680,000   1,700,000      
  3/3/2021(4)         71,849   2,011,772 

Tony Milikin

      190,685   476,712      
  9/14/2021(5)         21,417   693,054 
  9/14/2021(6)         142,776   4,476,028 
  9/14/2021(7)         142,776   4,620,231 

Fernando Cortes

      351,123   877,808      
  3/3/2021(4)         48,988   1,371,664 
  5/26/2021(8)         54,735   1,799,139 

Justin Whitmore

      385,644   964,110      
  3/3/2021(4)         39,191   1,097,348 
  3/3/2021(9)         97,976   2,643,392 
  3/3/2021(10)                           81,646   2,291,803 

(1)

The amounts reported in the Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards column represent the potential payouts of annual cash incentive awards granted to our NEOs in fiscal year 2021 under the 2021 STIP, subject to the achievement of certain performance measures. The actual amount of the awards made to the NEOs and paid in cash is included in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table.

(2)

Represents the number of shares subject to time-vesting RSU awards made in 2021.

(3)

The amounts reported in the Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards column reflect the grant date fair value associated with awards of RSUs to each of the NEOs. Assumptions used to calculate these amounts (disregarding forfeiture assumptions) are included in Note 11 “Stock-Based Compensation,” to our Consolidated Financial Statements, which are included in our 2021 Form 10-K. In accordance with ASC 718, the amounts reported in this column reflect that the RSUs do not accrue or otherwise participate in dividends prior to vesting.

(4)

Annual RSU awards that vest as follows: 60% on March 3, 2024, 20% on March 3, 2025 and the remaining 20% on March 3, 2026, subject to continued service with the Company on each vesting date.

(5)

Annual RSU award that vests as follows: 60% on September 14, 2024, 20% on September 14, 2025 and the remaining 20% on September 14, 2026, subject to continued service with the Company on each vesting date.

(6)

Elite Matching RSUs that vest as follows: 100% on September 14, 2026, subject to Mr. Milikin’s continued service with the Company on such date, certain stock ownership requirements and other vesting conditions.

32          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.


  Compensation Discussion and Analysis  

(7)

Sign-on RSU award that vests as follows: 60% on September 14, 2024, 20% on September 14, 2025 and the remaining 20% on September 14, 2026, subject to Mr. Milikin’s continued service with the Company on each vesting date.

(8)

Elite Matching RSUs that vest as follows: 100% on May 26, 2026, subject to Mr. Cortes’s continued service with the Company on such date, certain stock ownership requirements and other vesting conditions. This award was forfeited upon Mr. Cortes’s separation with the Company in September 2021.

(9)

Elite Matching RSUs that vest as follows: 100% on March 3, 2026, subject to Mr. Whitmore’s continued service with the Company on such date, certain stock ownership requirements and other vesting conditions.

(10)

Sign-on RSU award that vests as follows: 25% on each of March 3, 2023, March 3, 2024, March 3, 2025 and March 3, 2026, subject to Mr. Whitmore’s continued service with the Company on each vesting date.

Outstanding Equity Awards

The following table sets forth information regarding exercisable and unexercisable stock options and vested and unvested equity awards held by each NEO as of December 31, 2021. All such awards relate to shares of our common stock.

      Option Awards   Stock Awards 

Name

  Grant
Date
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#):
Exercisable
   Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options:
Unexercisable
   Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options
   Option
Exercise
Price ($/
share)
   Option
Expiration
Date
   Number
of
Shares
or
Units of
Stock
That
Have
Not
Vested
(#)
   Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested ($)(1)
 

Robert Gamgort

   7/2/2018(2)             248,808    9,171,063 
   7/2/2018(2)             248,808    9,171,063 
   3/4/2019(2)             211,133    7,782,362 
   3/12/2020(3)             204,437    7,535,548 
   12/7/2020(4)             217,014    7,999,136 
   12/7/2020(5)             651,042    23,997,408 
   3/3/2021(3)             153,495    5,657,826 

Ozan Dokmecioglu

   8/24/2018(6)             111,159    4,097,321 
   3/4/2019(2)             99,809    3,678,960 
   3/12/2020(3)             95,694    3,527,281 
   9/15/2020(7)             381,945    14,078,493 
   3/3/2021(3)             71,849    2,648,354 

Mauricio Leyva

   3/12/2020(3)             95,694    3,527,281 
   3/12/2020(2)             217,486    8,016,534 
   3/12/2020(8)             652,458    24,049,602 
   3/3/2021(3)             71,849    2,648,354 

Tony Milikin

   9/14/2021(3)             21,417    789,431 
   9/14/2021(2)             142,776    5,262,723 
   9/14/2021(3)             142,776    5,262,723 

Fernando Cortes(9)

                               

Justin Whitmore

   3/3/2021(3)             39,191    1,444,580 
   3/3/2021(2)             97,976    3,611,395 
    3/3/2021(7)                            81,646    3,009,472 

(1)

Market value is determined by multiplying the total number of shares or other rights awarded under an equity incentive plan that have not vested times $36.86, the closing price of a share of our common stock on Nasdaq on December 31, 2021.

(2)

Represents RSUs that vest on the fifth anniversary of the grant date.

(3)

Represents RSUs that vest 60% on the third anniversary of the grant date, 20% on the fourth anniversary of the grant date and 20% of the fifth anniversary of the grant date.

(4)

Represents RSUs that vest 33% on January 15, 2022, 33% on January 15, 2023 and 34% on January 15, 2024.

(5)

Represents performance-based RSUs that vest 33% on January 15, 2022, 33% on January 15, 2023 and 34% on January 15, 2024, subject to the achievement of certain performance conditions.

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          33


  Compensation Discussion and Analysis  

(6)

Represents RSUs that vest on March 24, 2023.

(7)

Represents RSUs that vest 25% on each of the second, third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the grant date.

(8)

Represents RSUs that vest 40% on the second anniversary of the grant date and 60% of the fifth anniversary of the grant date.

(9)

Mr. Cortes’s equity awards were forfeited upon his separation from the Company, effective September 24, 2021.

Stock Awards Vested

The following table sets forth information regarding stock awards made to our NEOs that have vested during fiscal year 2021.

Name

  Type of Grant
(Option/
 SAR/
Stock Award)
   Date of Exercise
or Vest
   No. of Shares
Acquired on
Exercise or
Vesting (#)
   Exercise
Price ($)
   Market Price ($)
(exercise date)
   Value Realized on
Exercise or Vesting
($)
 

Robert Gamgort

   Stock Award    3/15/2021    3,470,393        33.58    116,535,797 

Ozan Dokmecioglu

   Stock Award    3/15/2021    1,561,678        33.58    52,441,147 

Mauricio Leyva

                        

Tony Milikin

                        

Fernando Cortes

                        

Justin Whitmore

                        

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation

Prior to the Merger, certain employees of DPS (“legacy DPS employees”) were eligible to participate in deferred compensation benefits programs, of which Mr. Cortes, as a named executive officer of DPS, was eligible. Messrs. Gamgort, Dokmecioglu, Leyva, Milikin and Whitmore were eligible to participate in a 401(k) plan only.

Qualified 401(k) Plan

In 2021 all of our NEOs were eligible for, and participated in, a 401(k) program which provided a 100% company match on the first 6% of employee contributions within certain statutory limitations under the Code.

The Supplemental Savings Plan (the “SSP”)

The SSP is a non-qualified deferred compensation plan sponsored by the Company for our employees, and is a non-tax qualified defined contribution plan. Prior to the Merger, the SSP was for legacy DPS employees who were actively enrolled in the legacy DPS 401(k) plan and whose deferrals under the STIP were limited by Code compensation limitations. Employees were eligible to elect to defer up to 75% of their base salary over the Code compensation limit to the SSP, and were matched 100% of the first 4% of base salary, on a per paycheck basis, that was contributed by these employees. Employees participating in the SSP are always fully vested in the amount they and the Company contribute to the plan. Participants self-direct the investment of their account balances among various mutual funds. This portion of the SSP was terminated as December 31, 2019.

Also as part of the SSP, we previously offered an enhanced defined contribution component (the “Non-qualified EDC”) on a non-tax qualified basis to the SSP plan account. The Non-qualified EDC provided a contribution equal to 3% of eligible compensation over statutory pay limits to individual accounts annually. The Non-qualified EDC contributions are 100% vested after three years of service with the Company or prior affiliates. This portion of the SSP was also terminated.

The SSP also offers our employees the opportunity to defer up to 100% of their annual bonus. Participants will make yearly elections on payout options of bonus deferrals under the plan. Vesting is immediate and the participant has multiple distribution options available during each annual enrollment period. Participants self-direct the investment of their account balances among various mutual funds.

The SSP is unfunded with respect to the Company’s obligation to pay any balances in the SSP. A participant’s rights to receive any payment from the SSP shall be no greater than the rights of an unsecured general creditor of the Company.

In 2021, there were no executives contributing to the SSP. Mr. Cortes had participated in prior years and information regarding the non-qualified deferred compensation under the SSP for Mr. Cortes in fiscal year 2021 is reflected in the table below:

Name

  Executive
Contributions In Last
Fiscal Year
   Registrant
Contributions In Last
Fiscal Year
   Aggregate
Earnings In Last
Fiscal Year
  Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
   Aggregate Balance At Last
Fiscal Year End
 

Fernando Cortes

          $(5,701     $311,935 

34          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.


  Compensation Discussion and Analysis  

Post-Termination Compensation

Employment Agreements with Mr. Gamgort and Mr. Dokmecioglu

Mr. Gamgort and Mr. Dokmecioglu each have an employment agreement with the Company. Mr. Gamgort’s agreement provides for an initial term that ended on May 2, 2021, with the term automatically extending for successive one-year periods unless either the Company or Mr. Gamgort gives notice to the other party not later than three months prior to any such automatic extension that it or he does not want the term to be so extended. Mr. Dokmecioglu’s agreement may be terminated with 90 days’ prior notice by either party. Each agreement includes non-competition and non-solicitation provisions, which provide that the executive will not, for a period of two years after termination of employment, (i) become engaged with companies that are in competition with us, including, but not limited to, a predetermined list of companies or (ii) solicit or attempt to entice away any of our employees or customers. The employment agreements for Mr. Gamgort and Mr. Dokmecioglu will be mutually terminated effective July 29, 2022 in connection with the Company’s CEO succession plan.

Termination without “Cause” or Termination for “Good Reason” Other Than in Connection with a Change of Control

The executive employment agreements of Mr. Gamgort and Mr. Dokmecioglu each provide that severance payments occur and salary and benefits continue if termination of employment occurs without “cause” or if the executive resigns for “good reason.”

In the event the Company terminates Mr. Gamgort’s employment “without cause” or he resigns for “good reason,” during the employment term, he is entitled to receive:

any outstanding salary earned but not yet paid;

the pro-rated cash incentive bonus payment for the year in which the termination occurs, paid based on actual performance and at the same time as the annual bonus is paid to other executives;

a cash severance benefit equal to the product of two times the sum of Mr. Gamgort’s base salary and target annual cash incentive bonus for the year in which his termination of employment occurs. This severance benefit will be payable in 24 approximately equal monthly installments, except that if the severance benefit is payable due to a termination of employment occurring within 24 months following a Change of Control that constitutes a change in control under Section 409A of the Code, the severance benefit will be payable in a lump sum within 30 days of the date of such termination of employment; and

payment by the Company of Mr. Gamgort’s cost to continue participation in the Company’s medical plans under COBRA until the earlier of (A) the expiration of Mr. Gamgort’s COBRA continuation period, (B) the last month during which the severance benefit is payable, and (C) such time as Mr. Gamgort is eligible to receive comparable welfare benefits from a subsequent employer.

In the event the Company terminates Mr. Dokmecioglu’s employment “without cause” or he resigns for “good reason”, he is entitled to receive:

any outstanding salary earned but not yet paid;

a pro-rated cash incentive bonus for the year in which the termination occurs, paid at actual performance and at the same time as the annual bonus is paid to other executives,

a cash severance benefit equal to the product of two times the sum of Mr. Dokmecioglu’s base salary and target bonus for the year in which his termination of employment occurs. This severance benefit will be payable in 24 approximately equal monthly installments, except that, if the severance benefit is payable due to a termination of employment occurring within 24 months following a Change of Control that constitutes a change in control under Section 409A of the Code, the severance benefit will be payable in a lump sum within 30 days of the date of such termination of employment; and

payment by the Company of Mr. Dokmecioglu’s cost to continue participation in the Company’s medical plans under COBRA until the earlier of (A) the expiration of Mr. Dokmecioglu’s COBRA continuation period, (B) the last month during which the severance benefit is payable and (C) such time as Mr. Dokmecioglu is eligible to receive comparable welfare benefits from a subsequent employer.

Termination Following a Change of Control

In the event the Company terminates Mr. Gamgort’s employment “without cause” or he resigns for “good reason” within 24 months following a Change of Control, he is entitled to receive:

all of the benefits described above if his employment is terminated “without cause” or he resigns for “good reason,” except that if the termination occurs six months prior to or 24 months following a Change of Control the cash severance benefit will be equal to the product of three times the sum of Mr. Gamgort’s base salary and target annual cash incentive bonus for the year in which his termination of employment occurs; and

all unvested RSUs (including Matching RSUs) shall become fully vested and payable, subject to Section 409A of the Code.

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          35


  Compensation Discussion and Analysis  

In the event the Company terminates Mr. Dokmecioglu’s employment “without cause” or he resigns for “good reason” within 12 months following a Change of Control, he is entitled to receive:

all of the benefits described above if his employment is terminated “without cause” or he resigns for “good reason,” except that if the termination occurs six months prior to or 24 months following a Change of Control the cash severance benefit will be equal to the product of three times the sum of Mr. Dokmecioglu’s base salary and target annual cash incentive bonus for the year in which his termination of employment occurs; and

all unvested RSUs (including Matching RSUs) shall become fully vested and payable, subject to Section 409A of the Code.

Under the executive employment agreements “cause” is defined as termination of the executive’s employment for his:

intentional and continued failure substantially to perform his duties under the agreement (other than as a result of total or partial incapacity due to physical or mental illness or as a result of termination) which failure continues for more than 30 days after receipt by the executive of written notice setting forth the facts and circumstances identified by the Company as constituting adequate grounds for termination under this clause;

any intentional act or omission by the executive constituting fraud or other serious malfeasance which in any such case is materially injurious to the financial condition of the Company or materially injurious to the business reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates;

indictment for a felony or the substantial equivalent thereof under the laws of the United States, any state or political subdivision thereof or any other jurisdiction in which the Company conducts business; or

material breach of the non-compete and non-solicit provisions of his agreement, which breach is not cured by the executive within 10 days following receipt of a written notice from the Company identifying in reasonable detail the actions, failure or omissions alleged to have constituted such breach.

Prior to a Change of Control (defined below), “good reason” means:

the executive’s removal from, or the Company’s failure to reelect or reappoint him to, the position of chief executive officer of the Company for Mr. Gamgort, and chief financial officer of the Company for Mr. Dokmecioglu;

the Company’s demand for relocation of the executive’s principal workplaces without his consent to a location more than 25 miles distant from their initial principal workplace location;

a material breach by the Company of any of its obligations under the employment agreement; or

a material diminution in (or elimination of) the executive’s titles, positions, duties or responsibilities, or the assignment to executive of duties that are inconsistent, in a material respect, with the scope of duties and responsibilities associated with the positions specified above.

Following a Change of Control, “good reason” also means, in addition to the events described above, the failure of the Company to continue the executive’s participation in the STIP, LTIP and Elite (or any similar plan or successor to any such plan) on a basis that is commensurate with his position.

A “Change of Control” is defined in each of Mr. Gamgort’s and Mr. Dokmecioglu’s agreements to mean:

any “person” or “group” other than JAB is or becomes the “beneficial owner”, directly or indirectly, of securities representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; or

JAB enters into any joint venture, joint operating arrangement, partnership, standstill agreement or other arrangement similar to any of the foregoing with any other person or group, pursuant to which such person or group assumes effective operational or managerial control of the Company; or

a plan or agreement is consummated providing (1) for a merger or consolidation of the Company, other than with a wholly-owned subsidiary, that would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto no longer continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than 51% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, or (2) for a sale, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company.

Equity Treatment Upon Other Termination Scenarios

Double-Trigger Equity Vesting Upon a Change of Control

In the event of a Change of Control, all outstanding RSUs and Matching RSUs, including those held by our NEOs, have double-trigger protection which means that no accelerated vesting of outstanding RSUs will occur unless both (1) a Change of Control occurs, and (2) the executive is terminated within 24 months (or, in the case of Mr. Dokmecioglu, within 12 months) of such Change of Control.

36          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.


  Compensation Discussion and Analysis  

Death or Disability

In the event of an executive’s termination due to death or disability, all outstanding RSUs and Matching RSUs become fully vested and payable.

Retirement

In the event of an executive’s retirement (generally defined as attaining the age of 60 and completing 5 years of service), outstanding RSUs and Matching RSUs vest on a pro rata basis, except that any unvested “Reinvestment RSUs” that were granted to Messrs. Gamgort and Dokmecioglu in September and December of 2020 will be canceled and forfeited.

Severance Pay Plan for Executives

Messrs. Leyva, Milikin, and Whitmore are eligible for our Severance Pay Plan for Executives. In the event Messrs. Leyva’s, Milikin’s or Whitmore’s employment is involuntarily terminated, each of these NEOs is entitled to receive severance benefits under our Severance Pay Plan for executive employees (“Severance Pay Plan for Executives”), which benefits include:

severance payments in the form of salary continuation equal to 1.5 times the NEO’s annual base salary plus target bonus over 18 months;

a lump sum cash payment equal to the NEO’s annual cash incentive plan payment, pro-rated through the employment termination date and based on the actual performance targets achieved for the year in which such termination of employment occurred and payable when such awards are paid under the plan to all employees; and

outplacement services.

Messrs. Leyva, Milikin and Whitmore would not be eligible for severance under the Severance Pay Plan if the NEO were terminated: (i) for cause, (ii) because of inadequate or unsatisfactory performance, (iii) as the result of misconduct (including mismanagement of a position of employment by action or inaction, neglect that jeopardizes the life or property of another, intentional wrongdoing or malfeasance, intentional violation of a law, or violation of a policy or rule adopted to ensure the orderly work and the safety of employees), (iv) for gross neglect in job performance, or (v) because the NEO’s position is eliminated and the NEO refuses to accept another position with generally comparable base salary and incentive compensation and that is located no more than 50 miles from the former office, or it does not cause a significant detrimental impact to the executives that commute. (These items are hereinafter referred to as “Disqualifying Conditions.”)

In exchange for accepting their long-term incentive awards, Messrs. Leyva, Milikin and Whitmore have each agreed to a non-compete agreement, which provides each will not, for a period of two years after termination of employment, (i) become engaged with companies that are in competition with us, including, but not limited to, a predetermined list of companies or (ii) solicit or attempt to entice away any of our employees or customers.

Separation and Release Agreement with Mr. Cortes

Mr. Cortes’s employment with the Company was terminated effective September 24, 2021. In accordance with the terms of the Severance Pay Plan for Executives, for which he was eligible, Mr. Cortes received benefits consistent with an involuntary termination (as described above). In addition, in recognition of his contributions to the Company and leadership of supply chain integration since the Merger, the RemCo approved a $3,500,000 Leadership Integration Bonus to Mr. Cortes. Mr. Cortes’s unvested equity awards were canceled and forfeited upon his separation from the Company. The following table reflects the payments provided to Mr. Cortes in connection with his separation from the Company.

Fernando Cortes

Compensation Element

Termination
Without
Cause or For
Good Reason

Severance Payments (i.e., 1.5x base plus target bonus)

1,620,000

Lump Sum 2021 Bonus Payment (pro-rated)

287,921

Leadership Integration Bonus

3,500,000

Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits Continuation

Outplacement Services

Accelerated Equity Payments

TOTAL

5,407,921

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          37


  Compensation Discussion and Analysis  

Tables of Potential Payments and Assumptions

The following tables outline the potential payments to Messrs. Gamgort, Dokmecioglu, Leyva, Milikin, Cortes and Whitmore upon the occurrence of various termination events, including “termination without cause” or “for good reason” or “termination due to death or disability” or “retirement,” The following tables also reflect potential payments related to change of control and subsequent qualified termination within a specified window for each NEO other than Mr. Cortes, whose separation-related compensation is set forth above.

The following assumptions apply with respect to the tables below and any termination of employment:

the tables include estimates of amounts that would have been paid to NEOs in the event their employment had been terminated involuntarily without Disqualifying Conditions on December 31, 2021. The employment of these NEOs did not actually terminate on December 31, 2021, and as a result, the NEOs did not receive any of the amounts shown in the tables below. The actual amounts to be paid to a NEO in connection with a termination event can only be determined at the time of such termination event;

the tables assume that the price of a share of our common stock is $36.86 per share, the closing market price per share on Nasdaq on December 31, 2021;

each NEO is entitled to receive amounts earned during the term of his employment regardless of the manner of termination. These amounts include accrued base salary, accrued vacation time and other employee benefits to which the NEO was entitled on the date of termination, and are not shown in the tables below; and

no NEO has currently satisfied the conditions to meet the definition of retirement.

Robert Gamgort

Compensation Element

  Retirement   Death   Disability   Termination
Without
Cause or For
Good Reason
   Termination
Without Cause
or For Good
Reason
Following CIC
 

Severance Payments

               7,500,000    11,250,000 

Lump Sum 2021 Bonus Payment

       1,845,000    1,845,000    1,845,000    1,845,000 

Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits Continuation

               58,069    58,069 

Outplacement Services

                    

Accelerated Equity Payments

       71,314,406    71,314,406        71,314,406 

TOTAL

       73,159,406    73,159,406    9,403,069    84,467,475 

Ozan Dokmecioglu

Compensation Element

  Retirement   Death   Disability   Termination
Without
Cause or For
Good Reason
   Termination
Without Cause
or For Good
Reason
Following CIC
 

Severance Payments

               3,060,000    4,590,000 

Lump Sum 2021 Bonus Payment

       557,600    557,600    557,600    557,600 

Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits Continuation

               58,069    58,069 

Outplacement Services

                    

Accelerated Equity Payments

       28,030,408    28,030,408        28,030,408 

TOTAL

       28,588,008    28,588,008    3,675,669    33,236,077 

38          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.


  Compensation Discussion and Analysis  

Mauricio Leyva

Compensation Element

  Retirement   Death   Disability   Termination
Without
Cause or For
Good Reason
   Termination
Without Cause
or For Good
Reason
Following CIC
 

Severance Payments

               2,295,000    2,295,000 

Lump Sum 2021 Bonus Payment

       680,000    557,600    557,600    557,600 

Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits Continuation

                    

Outplacement Services

               7,000    7,000 

Accelerated Equity Payments

       38,241,771    38,241,771        38,241,771 

TOTAL

       38,921,771    38,799,371    2,859,600    41,101,371 

Tony Milikin

Compensation Element

  Retirement   Death   Disability   Termination
Without
Cause or For
Good Reason
   Termination
Without Cause
or For Good
Reason
Following CIC
 

Severance Payments

               2,025,000    2,025,000 

Lump Sum 2021 Bonus Payment

       190,685    156,362    156,362    156,362 

Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits Continuation

                    

Outplacement Services

               7,000    7,000 

Accelerated Equity Payments

       11,314,877    11,314,877        11,314,877 

TOTAL

       11,505,562    11,471,239    2,188,362    13,503,239 

Justin Whitmore

Compensation Element

  Retirement   Death   Disability   Termination
Without
Cause or For
Good Reason
   Termination
Without Cause
or For Good
Reason
Following CIC
 

Severance Payments

               1,552,500    1,552,500 

Lump Sum 2021 Bonus Payment

       385,644    316,228    316,228    316,228 

Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits Continuation

                    

Outplacement Services

               7,000    7,000 

Accelerated Equity Payments

       8,065,447    8,065,447        8,065,447 

TOTAL

       8,451,091    8,381,675    1,875,728    9,941,175 

CEO Pay Ratio

As required by Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Act, we are providing disclosure regarding the ratio of the annual total compensation of our CEO, Mr. Gamgort, to that of our median employee.

As a multi-national organization, we have employees operating in several countries. Our objective is to provide competitive compensation commensurate with an employee’s position and geographic location, while also linking compensation to Company and individual performance.

To provide context for this disclosure, it is important to understand the scope of our operations. Approximately sixteen percent of our employees are located in Mexico where the cost of living is significantly below the United States. The compensation elements and pay levels of our employees can vary dramatically from country to country based on market trends, cost of living, and cost of labor. These factors, along with fluctuations in currency exchange rates, impact the median employee compensation and the resulting ratio.

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          39


  Compensation Discussion and Analysis  

For 2021, we identified our median employee by using total taxable wages (Form W-2 Box 1 or equivalent), our consistently applied compensation measure, for all individuals who were employed by us on December 31, 2021, excluding our CEO and employees who were on leave of absence for all of 2021. As permitted by the SEC under the de minimis exception, we excluded 213 of our employees located outside the United States, who represent less than 5% of our total employee population of 27,276 as follows: China (78), Hong Kong (8), Ireland (63), Malaysia (1), Singapore (44) and Switzerland (19). All employees in North America were included in our pay ratio calculation. We selected total taxable wages as our consistently applied compensation measure because this metric is applicable to and comparable across our entire employee population. To identify the compensation of our median employee, we determined the total compensation paid for each of our employees without applying any cost-of-living adjustments. For an employee paid in a currency other than U.S. dollars, we converted annual compensation into U.S. dollars using December 2021 exchange rates. Once we identified the median employee, we calculated the median employee’s compensation using the same methodology used to calculate the total annual compensation of our CEO. Based on this data and process, we determined that our median employee was a full-time employee who receives salary plus commission with annual total compensation in 2021 of $55,207.

With respect to the annual total compensation of our CEO, we used the amount reported in the “Total” column of our 2021 Summary Compensation Table, $7,772,521. Therefore, the ratio of our CEO’s annual total compensation to the Median Employee’s annual total compensation in 2021 was 141 to 1.

The pay ratio as described above involves a degree of imprecision due to the use of estimates and assumptions, but is a reasonable estimate that we calculated in a manner consistent with Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table summarizes certain information related to our equity award plans as of December 31, 2021.

Plan Category

  Number of
Securities to be
Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding
Options,
Warrants and
Rights (#)
   Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
of Outstanding
Options,
Warrants and
Rights ($)(1)
   Number of Securities
Remaining Available
for Future Issuance
Under Equity
Compensation Plans
(Excluding
Securities Reflected
in Initial Column) (#)
 

Equity Compensation Plans approved by security holders

   7,886,027   $12.09    25,144,959(2) 

Equity Compensation Plans not approved by security holders(3)

   22,768,573        2,768,595 

Total

   30,654,600   $12.09    27,913,554 

(1)

As of December 31, 2021, there were options to purchase 193,572 shares of KDP common stock outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of $12.09 per share and weighted average remaining contractual term of 3.7 years. RSUs have no exercise price, thus reducing the weighted average exercise price presented above.

(2)

Represents awards authorized for future grants under the Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan of 2019.

(3)

In connection with the Merger, the Company assumed the Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan and the Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. Executive Ownership Plan, in each case effective August 11, 2016, and the RSUs outstanding thereunder and the authorized but unissued share pool with respect thereto (the “Keurig Award Pool”). The Company may grant awards to legacy-KGM employees and other employees of KDP who were not employed by DPS upon the closing of the Merger out of the Keurig Award Pool. The Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan was the legacy-equity plan of KGM pursuant to which legacy-KGM employees were granted their annual long-term equity incentive awards. The Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. Executive Ownership Plan was the legacy-investment program of KGM pursuant to which legacy-KGM employees participated in the Elite and Platinum investment programs.

40          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.


  Proposal 3 — Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  

PROPOSAL 3 — RATIFICATIONOFTHE APPOINTMENTOF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Audit Committee, which consists entirely of independent directors, is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention, and oversight of the work of KDP’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee is recommending ratification of its appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”) as independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2022. Deloitte has served as the independent registered public accounting firm of KDP since 2006 (including service for KDP’s predecessor DPS). The Audit Committee and the Board believe that the continued retention of Deloitte to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

Although stockholder ratification of the Audit Committee’s appointment of Deloitte as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is not required by the Company’s By-Laws or otherwise, the Board is submitting the appointment of Deloitte to the stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate governance. If the stockholders fail to ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee will reconsider the appointment for fiscal year 2022. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during fiscal year 2022 if it is determined that such a change would be in the best interests of KDP and its stockholders.

A representative of Deloitte is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting, will have an opportunity to make a statement, if desired, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

LOGO

The Board unanimously recommends that KDP’s stockholders vote “FOR” the ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP’s appointment as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Fees

Fees for professional services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm in each of the last two fiscal years, in each of the following categories, were as follows:

(in thousands)

  2021   2020 

Audit Fees(1)

  $5,578   $5,837 

Audit-Related Fees

        

Tax Fees(2)

   2,203    1,560 

All Other Fees

   2    2 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Fees

  $7,783   $7,399 
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

These amounts represent fees of Deloitte for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements, the review of financial statements included in our quarterly Form 10-Q reports, the audit of internal controls over financial reporting, services rendered in connection with acquisitions and debt offerings and the services that an independent auditor would customarily provide in connection with statutory requirements, regulatory filings, and similar engagements for the fiscal year, such as comfort letters, consents and assistance with review of documents filed with the SEC. Audit Fees also include advice about accounting matters that arose in connection with or as a result of the audit or the review of periodic consolidated financial statements and statutory audits that non-U.S. jurisdictions require. For purposes of this schedule, fees billed from non-U.S. jurisdictions in the currencies of such jurisdictions have been converted to U.S. dollars as of the date of the approval of such fees.

(2)

These amounts represent fees of Deloitte for professional services primarily related to tax compliance, as well as tax planning and advice, in 2021 and 2020.

Under the Audit Committee charter, the Audit Committee has established pre-approval policies and procedures under which all audit and non-audit services performed by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm must be approved in advance by the Audit Committee in order to assure that the provision of such services does not impair the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm. The policy also provides that the Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to the Chair of the Audit Committee, provided that the Chair reports any such pre-approval decisions to the full Audit Committee at its next meeting. The Audit Committee approved all audit and non-audit services provided in 2021 and 2020 in accordance with the Audit Committee’s policy and procedures. Additional information may be found in the Audit Committee Report that follows and Audit Committee charter available on the Company’s website at investors.keurigdrpepper.com/corporate-governance-guidelines.

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          41


  Proposal 3 — Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  

Report of the Audit Committee

The Audit and Finance Committee (the “Audit Committee”) is composed of Mr. Singer (Chair), Mr. Call, Ms. Hickman and Ms. Patsley. All of the Audit Committee members are “independent,” as defined in the Nasdaq listing standards and the applicable rules of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Each of Mr. Singer, Mr. Call, Ms. Hickman and Ms. Patsley meet the definition of “audit committee financial expert,” as defined in SEC Regulation S-K.

The Audit Committee Charter sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is primarily responsible for the oversight of the integrity of KDP’s financial reporting process and systems of internal controls (including the integrity of KDP’s financial statements and related disclosures), KDP’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the independence, qualifications and performance of KDP’s independent auditors, KDP’s internal audit activities and KDP’s policies and practices with respect to risk assessment and risk management.

Management has primary responsibility for the preparation of the financial statements, the completeness and accuracy of financial reporting, the overall system of internal control over financial reporting and the performance of the internal audit function. The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management KDP’s audited financial statements and management’s evaluation and assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.

The Audit Committee engaged Deloitte as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2021, to be responsible for planning and conducting the audit of the financial statements and expressing an opinion on the fairness of the financial statements and their conformity with U.S. GAAP and for auditing of KDP’s internal control over financial reporting and expressing an opinion on its effectiveness.

The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with Deloitte, with and without management present, the financial statement audit, its evaluation of effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, the overall quality of financial reporting and disclosure, the quality (and not just the acceptability) of the accounting principles utilized, the reasonableness of significant accounting judgments and estimates, the critical audit matters identified in Deloitte’s audit, and other matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Accounting Standards (“PCAOB”) and the SEC. The Audit Committee has also discussed with KDP’s internal auditors and Deloitte the overall scope and plans for their respective audits. The Audit Committee has reviewed and received from Deloitte the written disclosures and the letter required by the applicable PCAOB requirements regarding Deloitte’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence and discussed with Deloitte the firm’s independence from KDP and management.

Based on the Audit Committee’s review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 filed with the SEC on February 24, 2022.

Submitted by the Audit and Finance

Committee of the Board:

Robert Singer (Chair)
Paul S. Michaels
Pamela Patsley

42          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.


  Ownership of Our Equity Securities  

OWNERSHIPOF OUR EQUITY SECURITIES

The following table sets forth, as of April 14, 2022, the record date for the Annual Meeting, certain information with respect to the shares of our common stock beneficially owned by (i) stockholders known to us to own more than 5% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, (ii) each of our directors, nominees and Named Executive Officers and (iii) all of our executive officers and directors as a group. Unless otherwise noted below, the address of each beneficial owner listed in the table below is Keurig Dr Pepper Inc., 53 South Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803, and each beneficial owner has sole voting power and investment power with respect to securities shown in the table.

Name

  Amount Of
Beneficial
Ownership
Of Common
Stock
        Percent
Of
Class
 

BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF MORE THAN 5% OF OUR COMMON STOCK

      

JAB BevCo B.V. (1)

   472,909,049      33.3

Mondelēz International Holdings LLC (2)

   75,541,407      5.3

DIRECTORS AND NOMINEES

      

Michael Call

          

Olivier Goudet (3)

   2,772,256      * 

Peter Harf (4)

   2,869,055      * 

Juliette Hickman

          

Paul S. Michaels (5)

   193      * 

Pamela Patsley

   20,032      * 

Lubomira Rochet

          

Debra Sandler

          

Robert Singer (6)

   65,500      * 

Justine Tan

          

Larry D. Young

   767,220      * 

NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

      

Fernando Cortes (7)

   130,541      * 

Ozan Dokmecioglu (8)

   1,930,687      * 

Robert Gamgort

   4,528,186      * 

Mauricio Leyva

   291,846      * 

Tony Milikin

        

Justin Whitmore

   97,976     

All Executive Officers and Directors as a Group (21 persons)

   14,008,812         1.0

*

Less than 1% of outstanding shares of common stock.

(1)

Based on information provided to KDP by the stockholder (which was formerly known as Maple Holdings B.V.), such stockholder has indicated that it beneficially owns 472,909,049 shares, and has shared voting and dispositive power with respect to 472,909,049 shares. Agnaten SE (“Agnaten”) and Lucresca SE (“Lucresca”), each of which is a company with its registered seat in Luxembourg, and JAB Holdings B.V., a Netherlands corporation, indirectly have voting and investment control over the shares held by such stockholder. JAB BevCo B.V. is a direct subsidiary of Acorn Holdings B.V. and an indirect subsidiary of Agnaten and Lucresca. Agnaten and Lucresca are each managed by Joachim Creus, Dr. Peter Harf, Dr. Stefan Reimann-Andersen, Martin Haas, Mathias Reimann-Andersen and Oliver Reimann, who with Olivier Goudet exercise voting and investment authority over the shares held by JAB BevCo B.V. Agnaten, Lucresca and JAB BevCo B.V. disclaim the existence of a “group” and disclaim beneficial ownership of these securities. The address of Agnaten and Lucresca is 4 Rue Jean Monnet, Luxembourg, L-2180, Luxembourg, and the address of JAB BevCo B.V. and JAB Holdings B.V. is Piet Heinkade 55, Amsterdam, 1019 GM, The Netherlands.

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          43


  Ownership of Our Equity Securities  

(2)

Based on a Schedule 13D/A filed by Mondelēz International, Inc. with the SEC on August 4, 2021. Mondelēz International Holdings LLC is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Mondelēz International, Inc. Such stockholder has indicated that it beneficially owns 75,541,407 shares and has shared voting and dispositive power with respect to 75,541,407 shares. Mondelēz International Holdings LLC is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Mondelēz. The address of such stockholder is 905 W. Fulton Market, Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607.

(3)

1,623,879 shares are held by Platin Capital S.à r.l and 1,088,377 shares are held by Platin Holdings S.à r.l.

(4)

2,869,055 shares are held by HFS Holdings S.à r.l.

(5)

114 shares are owned by the Paul S. Michaels 1994 Trust. 79 shares are owned by Arthur Street LLC.

(6)

24,999 shares are owned by the Robert Singer 2005 Insurance Trust.

(7)

Based on information available to us as of September 24, 2021, the date on which Mr. Cortes’s employment with the Company was terminated.

(8)

The shares beneficially owned by Mr. Dokmecioglu are pledged to Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, as the lending bank, by Mr. Dokmecioglu as security for margin loans and held by Morgan Stanley Private Bank for the benefit of Mr. Dokmecioglu. Morgan Stanley Private Bank is an affiliate of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, the record holder of the shares. Morgan Stanley Private Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of the parent holding company, Morgan Stanley. Morgan Stanley and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC may be deemed to beneficially own these shares. The address of this beneficial owner is 2000 Westchester Avenue, Purchase, NY 10577. The address of Morgan Stanley and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is 1585 Broadway, New York, NY 10036.

44          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.


  Other Matters  

OTHER MATTERS

Q:

WHY AM I RECEIVING THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND PROXY CARD?

A:

You are receiving this Proxy Statement because you are a record holder or beneficially own shares of KDP common stock that entitle you to vote at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Our Board of Directors is soliciting proxies to ensure that all of our stockholders can vote at the meeting, even if they cannot attend in person.

Q:

WHAT ITEMS OF BUSINESS WILL BE VOTED ON AT THE ANNUAL MEETING?

A:

At the Annual Meeting, you will be asked to vote on three proposals: (1) to elect 11 directors to serve until the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders; (2) to approve the advisory resolution regarding KDP’s executive compensation; and (3) to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for our fiscal year ending December 31, 2022. We also will consider any other business that properly comes before the Annual Meeting.

Q:

WHEN AND WHERE IS THE ANNUAL MEETING?

A:

The Annual Meeting will be held virtually on June 7, 2019,9, 2022, at 11:10:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time, or at any adjournments thereof, for the purposes stated in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Q:
Q:How do

HOW DO I attend the annual meeting virtually?ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING VIRTUALLY?

A:

We will host the annual meeting2022 Annual Meeting live online. Any stockholder can attend the annual meetingAnnual Meeting live online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/KDP2019.KDP2022. The webcast will start at 11:10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Stockholders may vote and submit questions while attending the annualAnnual Meeting online. Pertinent questions will be answered during the meeting, online.subject to time constraints. Questions and answers may be grouped by topic, and substantially similar questions may be grouped and answered once. You will need the control number included on your Notice of Internet Availability or your proxy card (if you received a printed copy of the proxy materials) in order to be able to attend the annual meeting live online.Annual Meeting. If you are a beneficial stockholder, you may contact the bank, broker or other institution where you hold your shares if you have questions about obtaining your control number. Instructions on how to attend and participate online including howare posted at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/KDP2022. We encourage you to demonstrate proof ofaccess the meeting prior to the start time to allow ample time to complete the online check-in

process.



stock ownership, are posted at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/KDP2019. We encourage you to access the meeting prior to the start time to allow ample time to complete the online check-in process.

If you encounter any technical difficulties accessing the virtual meeting during the check-in or meeting time, please call the technical support number that will be posted on the Virtual Shareholder Meeting log inlog-in page.

Q:
Q:Why is the annual meeting a virtual, online meeting?

WHY IS THE ANNUAL MEETING BEING HELD VIRTUALLY?

A:

Our annual meetingAnnual Meeting will be a virtual meeting of stockholders using cutting-edge technology, conducted via live webcast. By conducting our annual meetingAnnual Meeting solely online, we eliminate many of the costs associated with a physical meeting. In addition, we believe that hosting a virtual meeting facilitates stockholder attendance and participation by enabling stockholders to participate from any location around the world and improves our ability to communicate more effectively with our stockholders during the meeting. We have designed the virtual meeting to provide the same rights to participate as you would have at an in-person meeting, including providing opportunities to submit questions during the meeting.

Q:

HOW DOES THE BOARD RECOMMEND THAT I VOTE?

A:

The Board unanimously recommends that you vote FOR each director nominee in Proposal 1, FOR the advisory resolution regarding KDP’s executive compensation in Proposal 2, and FOR ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP’s appointment as independent auditor in Proposal 3.

Q:

WHAT IS THE VOTING REQUIREMENT TO APPROVE EACH OF THE PROPOSALS?

A:

The following votes will be required to adopt each proposal:

Proposal 1: A nominee for director will be elected if the votes cast “FOR” such nominee exceed the votes cast “AGAINST” such nominee.

Proposal 2: The proposal will be approved if votes cast “FOR” such proposal exceed the votes cast “AGAINST” such proposal.

Q:How is KDP distributing proxy materials?
Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          45


  Other Matters  

Proposal 3: The proposal will be approved if votes cast “FOR” such proposal exceed the votes cast “AGAINST” such proposal.

For each proposal, a broker non-vote (as described below) or an abstention will not be counted as having been voted on the applicable proposal, and therefore will have no effect on the vote, assuming a quorum is present.

Q:

WHO CAN VOTE AT THE ANNUAL MEETING?

A:

The Board has fixed the close of business on April 14, 2022, as the record date for the Annual Meeting. This means that you are entitled to vote if you were a stockholder of record at the close of business on April 14, 2022.

On that date, we had 1,418,500,384 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, issued and outstanding. A holder of shares of our common stock is entitled to one vote for each share of our common stock on all matters properly brought before the Annual Meeting.

Q:

HOW CAN I VOTE MY SHARES AT THE ANNUAL MEETING?

A:

Although we encourage you to complete and return a proxy prior to the Annual Meeting to ensure that your vote is counted, you can virtually attend the Annual Meeting and vote your shares online by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/KDP2022. You will need your control number included on your Notice of Internet Availability or proxy card in order to be able to vote during the Annual Meeting. If you vote by proxy prior to the Annual Meeting and also virtually attend the Annual Meeting, there is no need to vote again at the Annual Meeting unless you wish to change your vote.

Q:

HOW CAN I VOTE MY SHARES WITHOUT ATTENDING THE VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETING?

A:

Whether you hold shares directly as the stockholder of record or through a broker, trustee or other nominee as the beneficial owner, you may direct how your shares are voted by proxy without attending the virtual Annual Meeting. There are three ways to vote by proxy:

By Internet — Stockholders who have received a paper copy of a proxy card or voting instruction form by mail may submit proxies over the Internet by following the instructions on the proxy card or voting instruction form.

By Telephone — Stockholders of record who live in the United States or Canada may submit proxies by telephone by calling 1-800-690-6903 and following the instructions. Stockholders of record who have received a proxy card by mail must have the control number that appears on their proxy card available when voting. Stockholders who are beneficial owners of their shares, but not stockholders of record, living in the United States or Canada and who have received a voting instruction form by mail may vote by phone by calling the number specified on the voting instruction form provided by their broker, trustee or nominee. Those stockholders should check the voting instruction form for telephone voting availability.

By Mail — Stockholders who have received a paper copy of a proxy card or voting instruction form by mail may submit proxies by completing, signing and dating their proxy card or voting instruction form and mailing it in the accompanying pre-addressed envelope.

Telephone and Internet voting for stockholders of record will be available 24 hours a day and will close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 8, 2022. Votes cast by mail must be received in sufficient time to allow processing. Votes received by mail prior to the day of the Annual Meeting will be processed, but votes received the day of the Annual Meeting may not be processed depending on the time received. Shares represented by duly executed proxies in the accompanying proxy card or voting instruction form will be voted in accordance with the instructions indicated on such proxies or voting instruction forms and, if no such instructions are indicated thereon, will be voted (i) FOR each director nominee listed in the election proposal, (ii) FOR the approval of the advisory resolution to approve KDP’s executive compensation, and (iii) FOR the ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP’s appointment as the Company’s independent auditor.

Q:

WHAT IF I WANT TO CHANGE MY VOTE?

A:

At any time prior to the completion of voting at the Annual Meeting, you may change your vote either by:

giving written notice to our Corporate Secretary revoking your proxy;

by submitting a later-dated proxy by telephone or electronically before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 8, 2022;

by a later-dated mailed proxy received before the close of business on June 8, 2022; or

by voting online at the Annual Meeting.

46          2022 PROXY STATEMENT          Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.


  Other Matters  

Q:

HOW MANY SHARES MUST BE PRESENT OR REPRESENTED TO CONDUCT BUSINESS AT THE ANNUAL MEETING?

A:

The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof is necessary to constitute a quorum to transact business. Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted as present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining a quorum. A “broker non-vote” occurs when a bank, broker or other nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular proposal because the bank, broker or other nominee does not have discretionary voting power with respect to such proposal and has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner.

Q:

WHAT IF I AM A BENEFICIAL OWNER AND I DO NOT GIVE MY NOMINEE VOTING INSTRUCTIONS?

A:

If your shares are held by a broker, trustee or other nominee on your behalf and you do not instruct the broker, trustee or other nominee as to how to vote these shares on Proposal 1 or Proposal 2, the broker, trustee or other nominee may not exercise discretion to vote for or against those proposals. This would be a “broker non-vote,” and these shares will not be counted as having been voted on the applicable proposal and therefore will have no effect on the vote, assuming a quorum is present. Please instruct your broker, trustee or other nominee so your vote can be counted. With respect to Proposal 3, the broker, trustee or other nominee may exercise its discretion to vote for or against that proposal in the absence of your instruction.

Q:

HOW IS KDP DISTRIBUTING PROXY MATERIALS?

A:

We are furnishing proxy materials to our shareholdersstockholders primarily via “Notice and Access” delivery. On or about April 25, 2019,29, 2022, we mailed to our shareholdersstockholders (other than those who previously requested email or paper delivery) thea Notice of Internet Availability containing instructions on how to access the proxy materials via the Internet. If you receive the Notice of Internet Availability by mail, you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials in the mail. Instead, the Notice of Internet Availability instructs you on how to access the proxy materials and vote by going to a secure website.

If you received the Notice of Internet Availability by mail and would like to receive paper copies of the proxy materials in the mail on a one-time or ongoing basis, follow the instructions in the Notice of Internet Availability for making this request.

If you received the Notice by mail and would like to receive an electronic copy of the proxy materials by email on a one-time or ongoing basis, follow the instructions in the Notice of Internet Availability for making this request.

Q:
Q:What should

WHAT SHOULD I do ifDO IF I receive more than one copy of the proxy materials?RECEIVE MORE THAN ONE COPY OF THE PROXY MATERIALS?

A:

You may receive more than one copy of the proxy materials, including multiple paper copies of this Proxy Statement and multiple proxy cards or voting instruction forms. For example, if you hold your shares in more than one brokerage account, you may receive a separate voting instruction form for each brokerage account in which you hold shares. If you are a stockholder of record and your shares are registered in more than one name, you may receive more than one proxy card. If you hold your shares through a broker, trustee or another nominee, rather than owning shares registered directly in your name, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in street name. As the beneficial owner, you are entitled to direct the voting of your shares by your intermediary. Your intermediary will forward the proxy materials to you with a voting instruction form or provide electronic access to the materials and to voting facilities. To vote all of your shares by proxy, you must complete, sign, date and return each proxy card and voting instruction form that you receive.

Q:
Q:Who will pay for this solicitation?

WHO WILL PAY FOR THIS SOLICITATION?

A:

The cost of preparing, assembling, printing and mailing this Proxy Statement and the enclosed proxy card and the cost of soliciting proxies related to the annual meetingAnnual Meeting will be borne by us. We will request brokers, trustees or other nominees to solicit their customers who are beneficial owners of shares of common stock listed of record in the name of the broker, trustee or other nominee and will reimburse such brokers, trustees or other nominees for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for such solicitation.

Q:
Q:Who will serve as inspector of elections?

WHAT HAPPENS IF ADDITIONAL MATTERS ARE PRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING?

A:The inspector of elections will be a representative from the Carideo Group.


Q:What happens if additional matters are presented at the annual meeting?
A:

Other than the fourthree items of business described in this Proxy Statement, we are not aware of any other business to be acted upon at the annual meeting.Annual Meeting. If you grant a proxy, the persons named as proxy holders Robert J. Gamgort, Ozan Dokmecioglu and James L. Baldwin, will have the discretion to vote your shares on any additional matters properly presented for a vote at the annual meeting.Annual Meeting. If for any reason any of our director nominees is not available as a candidate for director, the persons named as proxy holders will vote your proxy for such other candidate or candidates as may be nominated by the Board.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Principles of Corporate Governance
On July 9, 2018, following the closing of the merger between a wholly owned subsidiary of Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. (“DPS”) and Maple Parent Holdings Corp. (“Maple”), the parent company of Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. (“KGM”), which resulted in the formation of Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (the “DPS Merger”), the Board adopted principles of corporate governance (“Principles of Corporate Governance”). The Principles of Corporate Governance include, among other things, that the Board:
has oversight for the integrity of the Company’s financial statements and the Company’s financial reporting process;
has oversight for the Company’s processes for assessing and managing risk;
assesses the performance of the Chief Executive Officer and other senior management and sets their compensation;
establishes principles to assess the independence of directors and make an affirmative determination regarding the independence of each director annually;
has two standing committees – the Audit and Finance Committee (the “Audit Committee”) and the Remuneration and Nomination Committee (the “RemCo”), each with the power and authority to retain outside advisors; and
assesses Board and director performance.
In February 2018, the Board waived the mandatory retirement provision in the then-existing Corporate Governance Guidelines as it related to Mr. Sanders and agreed that he should continue as Chairman of the Board until the closing of the DPS Merger or, if the merger agreement was terminated, until the next annual meeting of the Company. Mr. Sanders resigned on July 9, 2018 in connection with the closing of the DPS Merger.
Our Principles of Corporate Governance are available on our website at www.keurigdrpepper.com under the Investors—Corporate Governance caption. The information provided on our website is not incorporated herein by reference unless expressly stated herein as such.
Code of Conduct
We are dedicated to earning the trust of our customers and investors, and our actions are guided by the principles of honesty, trustworthiness, integrity, dependability and respect. The Board has adopted a Code of Conduct that applies to all employees and directors. Our Code of Conduct is posted on our website at www.keurigdrpepper.com under the Company — Ethics & Compliance — Code of Conduct captions. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K or applicable New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) rules regarding any amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of the Code of Conduct for our senior financial officers, including the chief executive officer, if any, either by posting such information on our website at www.keurigdrpepper.com under the Company — Ethics & Compliance – Code of Conduct caption or by filing a Current Report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
Director Independence
We have incorporated in our Principles of Corporate Governance the NYSE’s independence standards for evaluating the independence of each director on our Board. These standards are available in the “Investors” section of our website,


www.keurigdrpepper.com within the “Corporate Governance” subsection under the heading “Governance Documents.” Under these standards, a director is considered “independent” if the Board has determined that the director has no material relationship with the Company, either directly, or as a partner, stockholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the Company. For purposes of this definition, the Board has determined that a director is not independent if:
The director is, or has been within the last three years, an employee of the Company, or an immediate family member of the director is, or has been within the last three years, an executive officer of the Company;
The director has received, or has an immediate family member who has received, during any 12-month period during the last three years, more than $120,000 in direct compensation from the Company (other than Board and committee fees, and pension or other forms of deferred compensation for prior service). Compensation received by an immediate family member for service as an employee (other than an executive officer) of the Company is not considered for purposes of this standard;
(a) The director, or an immediate family member of the director, is a current partner of the Company’s internal or external auditor; (b) the director is a current employee of the Company’s internal or external auditor; (c) an immediate family member of the director is a current employee of the Company’s internal or external auditor who personally works on the Company’s audit; or (d) the director, or an immediate family member of the director, was within the last three years (but is no longer) a partner or employee of the Company’s internal or external auditor and personally worked on the Company’s audit within that time;
The director, or an immediate family member of the director, is, or has been within the last three years, employed as an executive officer of another company where any of the Company’s present executive officers serves or served at the same time on that company's compensation committee.
The director is a current employee, or an immediate family member of the director is a current executive officer, of a company that has made payments to, or received payments from, the Company for property or services in an amount that, in any of the last three fiscal years, exceeds the greater of $1 million or 2% of the other company’s consolidated gross revenues; or
The director, or the director’s spouse, is an executive officer of a non-profit organization to which the Company makes, or in the past three years has made, payments that, in any single fiscal year, exceeded the greater of $1 million or 2% of the non-profit organization’s consolidated gross revenues.
Our Board has determined that each of the following directors satisfies our independence standards and the independence standards of the NYSE: Mses. Hovde and Patsley and Messrs. Michaels and Singer. In connection with the independence determinations, the Board examined the Company’s relationship with BDT & Company (“BDT”) where Ms. Hovde, one of our directors, is a Partner. BDT was retained by Maple in January 2018 as a financial advisor in conjunction with the DPS Merger. Upon the successful closing of the DPS Merger, BDT became entitled to a $15.0 million transaction advisory fee. The Board determined that the relationship was not material since (i) the advisory fee was less than 2% of the consolidated gross revenues of BDT; (ii) the relationship with BDT was entered into between Maple and BDT prior to the closing of the DPS Merger; and (iii) the amounts were earned by BDT upon the closing of the DPS Merger, prior to Ms. Hovde’s appointment to the Board, at which time BDT’s engagement was completed.
Our Board determined that Mr. Gamgort does not qualify as independent due to his position as our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”). Mr. Young served as our Chief Executive Officer through July 8, 2018 and therefore is not an independent director. Due to their roles with JAB Holding Company (“JAB”), our largest stockholder, Ms. Kamenetzky and Messrs. Goudet, Harf, and Simon are not currently determined to be independent. Due to their roles with Mondelēz International, Inc. (“Mondelēz”), a significant stockholder, Messrs. Van de Put and Pleuhs are not currently determined to be independent. In each instance, although these directors are not currently determined to be independent, they contribute greatly to the Board and the Company through their wealth of experience, expertise and judgment.
All of the directors who serve as members of the Audit Committee are independent as required by the NYSE corporate governance rules. Under these rules, Audit Committee members also satisfy the separate SEC independence requirements.


Controlled Company Status
Following the closing of the DPS Merger, KDP became a “controlled company” for purposes of Section 303A of the NYSE Listed Company Manual (“Section 303A”). Under Section 303A, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by an individual, a group or another company is a “controlled company” and is exempt from certain corporate governance requirements.
KDP currently takes advantage of certain exemptions from corporate governance requirements provided in the NYSE rules for controlled companies. Specifically, as a controlled company, KDP is not required to have (1) a majority of independent directors, (2) a compensation committee composed entirely of independent directors, and (3) a corporate governance and nominating committee composed entirely of independent directors. KDP does not currently have a majority of independent directors and its RemCo does not consist entirely of independent directors. Accordingly, KDP’s stockholders are not afforded the same protections as stockholders of other companies that are required to comply with the independence rules of the NYSE. In the event that KDP ceases to be a controlled company, it will be required to comply with those requirements within specified transition periods.
The controlled company exemption does not modify the independence requirements for our Audit Committee, and KDP complies with the requirements of the NYSE rules with respect thereto.
Selection of Directors
Process
The Board is responsible for approving candidates for the Board. As discussed in the section “Board Committees and Meetings—Remuneration and Nomination Committee” beginning on page 12, the RemCo is responsible for the identification of candidates for the Board and making director recommendations to the Board. The RemCo will also consider director nominations by a stockholder made pursuant to the procedures set forth in our Amended and Restated By-Laws relating to stockholder nominations and as described under “Stockholder Proposals for 2020 annual meeting” on page 63.
Qualifications
The Board believes that a board composed of directors who have diverse personal backgrounds and experiences and who bring a fresh perspective is a priority for the Company. In prospective directors our Board looks for a diverse range of skills, backgrounds and experiences such as leadership, consumer products, international and strategic planning experience; financial and accounting expertise; and corporate governance, governmental policy and regulatory experience. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement governing the DPS Merger, it was agreed that the Board following the closing of the DPS Merger would be initially comprised of twelve members, eight of which were appointed by Maple (including the two directors appointed by Mondelēz), two of which were appointed by DPS, and two of which were mutually agreed upon by Maple and DPS as "independent" directors under the rules of the NYSE.
The Board conducts an annual self-evaluation process and periodically considers its composition and refreshment in order to effectively align the Board’s mix of skills, experience and attributes with the Company’s business strategy.
Executive Sessions
Our non-employee directors meet regularly in executive sessions without members of management. Generally, the Chair of the RemCo will serve as Chair in these executive sessions. The committees of the Board also generally meet in executive session at the end of each committee meeting.
Attendance at Annual Meeting
We expect directors to attend the annual meeting absent unusual circumstances. All of the directors serving on our Board at the time attended the Annual Meeting of Stockholders in 2018.
Board Leadership and Role in Risk Oversight
The chairman of the Board and the chief executive officer titles are currently held by the same individual, Mr. Gamgort.


In July 2018, following the DPS Merger, the Company established separated chairman of the Board and the chief executive officer positions, and appointed Lambertus (Bart) Becht, a partner of JAB, as the Company’s Chairman of the Board and Mr. Gamgort as chief executive officer. However, following Mr. Becht’s resignation from the Board in January 2019, it was decided by the Board that Mr. Gamgort serve as both the chairman of the Board and the chief executive officer to confer advantages and efficiencies including those listed below:
By serving in both positions, the chairman of the Board and chief executive officer is able to draw on his or her detailed knowledge of the Company to provide the Board leadership in focusing its discussions and review of the Company’s strategy.
The structure allows for efficient decision making and heightened accountability.
The Board believes that it is in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders for Mr. Gamgort to serve as chairman and chief executive officer, considering the corporate governance practices providing oversight of management as set forth below.
The Board has overall responsibility for oversight of risk and has delegated to the Audit Committee the responsibility for the risk oversight process and oversight of financial and compliance risks. KDP management reports to the Audit Committee periodically on compliance, risk management and the oversight of risk management functions. The Audit Committee reports to the Board on its delegated responsibilities regarding risks. The RemCo is responsible for the assessment of risk in KDP’s compensation programs and reports to the Board on that assessment.
Communications with the Board
Any interested party may communicate with the Board, the chairman of the Board or the non-employee directors as a group on a Board-related issue by sending an email to ir@kdrp.com or sending a written communication to: Corporate Secretary, Keurig Dr Pepper Inc., 53 South Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. Relevant communications will be distributed to the Board, or to any individual director or directors as appropriate, depending on the facts and circumstances outlined in the communication. Communications that are unrelated to the duties and responsibilities of the Board will not be forwarded, such as sponsorship requests, licensing requests, annual report requests, business solicitations, advertisements, new product suggestions, brand and product comments and job inquiries. Any communication that is screened as described above will be made available to any director upon his or her request.
BOARD COMMITTEES AND MEETINGS
Audit and Finance Committee
From January 1, 2018 through July 9, 2018, the DPS Audit Committee was comprised of Mr. Alexander (Chair), Mr. Carrillo and Ms. Patsley. Upon and in connection with the closing of the DPS Merger on July 9, 2018, Messrs. Alexander and Carrillo resigned. From July 9, 2018 through December 31, 2018, the Audit and Finance Committee was comprised of Mr. Singer (Chair), Ms. Hovde and Ms. Patsley. On February 14, 2019 Mr. Michaels was appointed to the Audit Committee and Ms. Hovde was reassigned from the Audit Committee to the RemCo. Each of the directors who serves as an Audit Committee member is "independent" in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and as defined in the current NYSE listing standards. Upon consideration of the attributes of an audit committee financial expert as set forth in SEC regulations, the Board has determined that Mr. Singer, Ms. Patsley, and Mr. Michaels possess those attributes through their experience, and each was designated as an audit committee financial expert.
The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving an audit committee report included as part of this Proxy Statement and assisting the Board's oversight of:
the quality and integrity of KDP's financial statements and related disclosure (including the quality, adequacy and effectiveness of our internal controls);
KDP's compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements;
the independent registered public accountant's performance, qualifications and independence; and
the performance of KDP's internal audit function.


The Audit Committee has selected Deloitte as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2019. On July 9, 2018, the Board approved the Audit Committee charter ("Audit Committee Charter"), a copy of which is available on our website at www.keurigdrpepper.com under the Investors - Corporate Governance-Committee Charters-Audit Committee Charter captions. The Report of the Audit Committee for our year ended December 31, 2018 is included in this Proxy Statement on page 27.
Remuneration and Nomination Committee
From January 1, 2018 through July 9, 2018, the DPS Compensation Committee was comprised of Ms. Szostak (Chair), Mr. Gutiérrez and Ms. Shive. Upon and in connection with the closing of the DPS Merger on July 9, 2018, Mses. Szostak and Shive and Mr. Gutiérrez resigned. From January 1, 2018 through July 9, 2018, the DPS Governance and Nominating Committee was comprised of Mr. Sanders and Mr. Rogers. Upon and in connection with the closing of the DPS Merger on July 9, 2018, Mr. Sanders and Mr. Rogers resigned and the Board combined the duties of the compensation and nominating committees into the consolidated RemCo. From July 9, 2018 through December 31, 2018, the RemCo was comprised of Mr. Harf (Chair), Mr. Becht, Mr. Michaels and Mr. Van de Put. Following Mr. Becht’s resignation from the Board on January 12, 2019, Ms. Hovde was appointed to the RemCo on February 14, 2019. As discussed above, KDP is a “controlled company” for purposes of Section 303A of the NYSE Listed Company Manual and takes advantage of an exemption from the requirement that its nominating and compensation committees consist entirely of independent directors.
The RemCo is responsible for, among other things:
reviewing and approving individual and corporate goals and objectives relevant to the chief executive officer’s compensation, evaluating the chief executive officer’s performance in light of those goals and objectives, and setting the chief executive officer’s remuneration level based on this evaluation;
determining the compensation levels of our other executive officers, after consultation with the chief executive officer;
approving and administering our executive compensation program;
reviewing and making recommendations to our Board with respect to the remuneration of all directors;
assessing the results of the Company’s most recent advisory vote on executive compensation;
administering our employee benefit plans, including our equity-based and incentive compensation plans;
reviewing and discussing with management our Compensation Discussion and Analysis for inclusion in our Proxy Statement or annual report, in accordance with applicable regulations; and
managing the appointment, compensation and oversight of work performed by outside advisors to the RemCo.
Information regarding the processes and procedures followed by the RemCo in considering and determining executive compensation is provided under the heading “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” beginning on page 28.
On July 9, 2018, the Board approved the RemCo charter, a copy of which is available on our website at www.keurigdrpepper.com under the Investors — Corporate Governance — Committee Charters — Remuneration and Nomination Committee Charter captions. The RemCo Report is included in this Proxy Statement on page 40.
The RemCo has the authority to retain compensation consultants and other outside advisors to assist in the evaluation of executive officer compensation. The RemCo annually evaluates the performance of its executive compensation consultant and, based on that evaluation, retained Pearl Meyer & Partners, LLC (“Pearl Meyer”) to assist the RemCo with its responsibilities related to KDP’s 2018 executive officer and Board compensation programs. Pearl Meyer’s fees for executive compensation consulting to the RemCo in our year ended December 31, 2018, were approximately $35,570.
Certain policies and procedures are in place to assure the independence of Pearl Meyer and the Pearl Meyer consultants assigned to KDP, including:


Pearl Meyer’s consultants assigned to KDP (i) have no personal or business relationship with any member of the RemCo, other than to provide executive consulting services, (ii) own no shares of KDP common stock, nor do any of their immediate family members own KDP common stock, and (iii) have no business or personal relationships with any executive officer of KDP;
none of our executive officers have indicated they have any business or personal relationship with Pearl Meyer or the Pearl Meyer consultants assigned to KDP;
the RemCo has the sole authority to retain and terminate the executive compensation consultant;
the Pearl Meyer consultants assigned to KDP have direct access to the RemCo without management involvement;
the RemCo evaluates the quality and objectivity of the services provided by the consultant each year and determines whether to continue to retain the consultant; and
the protocols for the engagement (described below) limit how the consultant may interact with management.
While it is necessary for Pearl Meyer’s consultants to interact with management to gather information, the RemCo has adopted protocols governing if and when the consultant’s advice and recommendations can be shared with management. These protocols are included in Pearl Meyer’s engagement letter. This approach protects the RemCo’s ability to receive objective advice from the consultant so that the RemCo may make independent decisions about executive pay by KDP.
Based on the analysis by Pearl Meyer of its independence under the six factors set forth in the rules promulgated by the SEC, the RemCo’s review of Pearl Meyer’s analysis and the policies and procedures set forth above, the RemCo is confident that the advice it receives from the executive compensation consultant is objective and not influenced by Pearl Meyer’s or its affiliates’ relationships with KDP.
2018 Meetings
Pre-DPS Merger
From January 1, 2018 through July 8, 2018 there were twelve (12) meetings of the Board. From January 1, 2018 through July 8, 2018, there were four (4) meetings held by the Audit Committee, along with one (1) executive session of the Audit Committee to meet with our independent registered public accounting firm, our chief financial officer, our senior vice president-controller, the vice president of corporate audit and our general counsel (in one executive session); four (4) meetings were held by the Compensation Committee, along with one (1) executive session held by the Compensation Committee; two (2) meetings held by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and one (1) executive session held by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee; two (2) meetings held by the Special Award Committee; and no meetings held by the Capital Transaction Committee. Any unanimous written consent is counted as a meeting. From January 1, 2018 through July 8, 2018, the Board acted five (5) times by unanimous written consent, the Compensation Committee acted two (2) times by unanimous written consent, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee acted one (1) time by unanimous written consent, and all meetings of the Special Award Committee were by unanimous written consent.
Post-DPS Merger
From July 9, 2018 through December 31, 2018 there were four (4) meetings of the Board. From July 9, 2018 through December 31, 2018, there were four (4) meetings held by the Audit Committee, along with two (2) executive sessions of the Audit Committee to meet with our independent registered public accounting firm, our chief financial officer, and our senior vice president-controller (in one executive session); and four (4) meetings held by RemCo.
In 2018 each incumbent director attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board and the Board committees of which each was a member during his or her respective tenures.


COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS
Ms. Szostak (Chair), Mr. Gutiérrez and Ms. Shive served on the DPS Compensation Committee from January 1, 2018 until the closing of the DPS Merger. From the closing of the DPS Merger on July 9, 2018 through December 31, 2018 Messrs. Harf (Chair), Becht, Michaels and Van de Put served on the RemCo. Following Mr. Becht’s resignation on January 12, 2019, Ms. Hovde was appointed to the RemCo on February 14, 2019. No person who was a member during any part of 2018 of the DPS Compensation Committee, prior to the DPS Merger, or the RemCo, following the DPS Merger, was an officer or employee of ours or any of our subsidiaries. None of our executive officers served on the board of directors or on the compensation committee of any other entity, for which any officers of such other entity served either on our Board or on our Compensation Committee or RemCo.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS
Related Person Transaction Policy and Process
KDP has adopted a Related Person Transactions Policy which governs any transaction or proposed transaction involving (i) any of our directors, nominees for director, or executive officers (or any immediate family members of the foregoing); (ii) any security holder beneficially owning 5% or more of the voting securities of KDP (or any of its immediate family members or affiliate of such stockholder or any of its or their respective directors (a “5% security holder)); and (iii) any security holder of Acorn Holdings B.V. (“Acorn”) beneficially owning 10% or more of Acorn (or any immediate family member or affiliate of such stockholder or any of their respective directors) (each, an “Acorn Party”) (the individuals or entities identified in clauses (i) through (iii), a “Related Person”) and in which KDP was or is to be a participant and in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000 (a “Specified Transaction”). Under this Related Person Transactions Policy, directors and executive officers must notify the general counsel of the details of any proposed Specified Transaction that would be covered by the Related Person Transaction Policy. Following review, the general counsel presents to the Board or Committee, as applicable, for approval any Specified Transaction in which any Related Person is reasonably likely to have a direct or indirect material interest, in which case:

the Board will review those transactions involving a director, director nominee, 5% security holder or Acorn, and
the Audit Committee will review those transactions involving executive officers.
The Board or Audit Committee, as applicable, will approve only those transactions presented to it that are in, or are not inconsistent with, the best interests of KDP and its stockholders, as the Board or Audit Committee, as applicable, determines in good faith. In determining whether or not to approve a related person transaction, the Board or the Audit Committee, as appropriate, takes into account, among other factors it deems appropriate:
whether the transaction was the product of fair dealing, which factors include the timing, initiation, structure and negotiations of the transaction, and whether the related person’s interest in such transaction was disclosed to the Company;
the terms of the transaction and whether similar terms would have been obtained from an arms’ length transaction with a third party;
the availability of other sources for comparable products or services; and
the impact on a director’s independence if the related person is a director.
No member of the Board shall participate in any review, consideration or approval of any Specified Transaction with respect to which such member or any of his or her immediate family members is the related person. In addition, our Code of Conduct governs the actions of our directors and employees, including conflicts of interest. See “Corporate Governance—Code of Conduct” on page 8.
The Related Person Transaction Policy adopted by the Board pre-approves the following types of related person transactions:
a Specified Transaction with a third party entity (other than a 5% security holder or an Acorn Party) in which a director of the Company is an officer or other employee of the third party entity, or his or her immediate family member is an executive officer of the third party entity, (a) in which the third party entity has received payments or other consideration from the Company for property or services or has made payments to the Company for property or services and the amount


of such payments in each of the last three fiscal years is less than the greater of $1 million or 2% of either entity’s consolidated gross revenues; or (b) in which the third party entity is indebted to the Company, or the Company is indebted to the third party entity, and, in each case, the total amount of one entity’s indebtedness is less than 2% of the total consolidated assets of either entity as of the end of the previous fiscal year.
a Specified Transaction with a tax-exempted organization (other than a 5% security holder or an Acorn Party) of which an executive officer or director of the Company is an officer, trustee, director or is otherwise affiliated, and to which the Company made, within the preceding three fiscal years, contributions in any fiscal year that were less than the greater of $1 million or 2% of the tax-exempt organization’s consolidated gross revenues.
a Specified Transaction involving the ownership of a class of equity securities of the Company and all holders of that class of equity securities receive the same benefit on a pro rata basis, unless the holders are a 5% security holder or an Acorn Party.
a Specified Transaction where the rates or charges involved are determined by competitive bids.
a Specified Transaction involving the rendering of services as a common contract carrier or public utility, at rates or charges fixed in conformity with law or governmental authority.
a specified Transaction involving the rendering of services as a bank depositary of funds, transfer agent, registrar, trustee under a trust indenture or similar services.
Certain Related Person Transactions
Commercial Arrangements with JAB Related Persons
KDP has commercial arrangements with Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Inc. (“Peet’s”), Caribou Coffee Company, Inc. (“Caribou”), Panera Bread Company (“Panera”), Einstein Bros Bagels (“Einstein Bros”), and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. (“Krispy Kreme”). KDP’s largest stockholder, JAB, also has controlling investments in Peet’s, Caribou, Panera, Einstein Bros and Krispy Kreme.
KDP manufactures portion packs containing a selection of coffee and tea varieties under Peet’s brands for sale in the U.S. and Canada. As part of this agreement, Peet’s issues purchase orders to the Company for portion packs to be supplied to Peet’s and sold in select channels. In turn, the Company places purchase orders for Peet’s raw materials to manufacture portion packs for sale by the Company in select channels. As described below, KDP also entered into an agreement with Peet’s in 2018 to exclusively distribute and sell its ready-to-drink beverages.
KDP also licenses the Caribou and Krispy Kreme trademarks for use in the Keurig system in the Company owned channels.
Restaurant Transactions include transactions with Caribou, Panera, Einstein Bros and Krispy Kreme. KDP sells various beverage concentrates and packaged beverages to these companies.
Related Person Transactions Reviewed in 2018
The disinterested members of the Board reviewed and approved the following transaction in 2018 under its Related Person Transaction Policy:
A distribution agreement with Peet’s for KDP to exclusively distribute and sell Peet’s ready-to-drink beverage products in the U.S. and Canada (subject to certain excluded accounts and non-exclusive channels).
The Board did not review the following transaction in 2018 under its Related Person Transaction Policy because the office of the General Counsel determined that the transaction did not represent a direct or indirect material interest to either party:
An amendment to KDP’s existing fountain agreement with Panera because it was already in place between the parties and the terms being amended did not materially change any terms of the underlying agreement.


PROPOSAL 1 - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Director Nominees
Each of our directors is elected annually. The terms of each of the directors will expire at the next annual meeting of stockholders following the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. The RemCo has reviewed the background of all of our nominees for director and determined that they individually possess the personal and professional attributes necessary to be a director. Further, the RemCo has reviewed the experience of the members of the Board and determined that they collectively possess the qualifications and skills necessary for the Board.
Set forth below is detailed biographical information for each of the nominees for director and a summary of the qualifications and skills demonstrated by each director’s experience (ages are as of the date of the annual meeting).
Robert Gamgort
Mr. Gamgort, age 56, has served as one of our directors since July 2018 and as our Executive Chairman of the Board since January 2019. Mr. Gamgort has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer since July 2018, and prior to the closing of the DPS Merger, served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. ("KGM") beginning in May 2016. Mr. Gamgort has served as a director of Wayfair Inc. since February 2015. Mr. Gamgort has enjoyed a 30+ year career in consumer products, progressing through marketing, sales, strategy and general management roles at Kraft Foods, Inc., as President of Major League Baseball Proprieties, North American President of Mars, Inc. and CEO of Pinnacle Foods (NYSE: PF), prior to joining KGM. Mr. Gamgort received a BA from Bucknell University and an MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.
Mr. Gamgort, our Chief Executive Officer, President and Executive Chairman of the Board, has extensive senior level executive experience, over 30 years of experience in the consumer products industry and substantial marketing and general management experience. In addition, Mr. Gamgort has significant experience overseeing transformational mergers and integrations. In light of his background and experience, we believe Mr. Gamgort is also well qualified to serve as Chairman of our Board.
Olivier Goudet
Mr. Goudet, age 54, has served as one of our directors since July 2018. From March 2016 until the closing of the DPS Merger, Mr. Goudet served as a director on the board of Maple Parent Holdings Corp., Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.'s ("KGM") parent company, from March 2016 until July 2018. Mr. Goudet is currently Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of JAB Holding Company, a position he has held since 2012. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Jacobs Douwe Egberts, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Inc., Panera Bread Company, Pret A Manger and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. He is also a Director of Caribou Coffee Company / Einstein Noah, Espresso House and Coty, Inc. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV. He is the former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Mars, Inc. and served as an independent advisor to the Mars, Inc. Board of Directors. Mr. Goudet began his career at Mars, Inc., serving on the finance team of its French business and held several senior executive positions at the VALEO Group, including Group Finance Director. Mr. Goudet holds a degree in Engineering from l’Ecole Centrale de Paris and graduated from the ESSEC Business School in Paris with a major in Finance.
Mr. Goudet brings to our Board extensive financial expertise and senior executive experience, including experience in strategic planning and leadership of complex organizations, as well as significant governance and oversight experience attained through his tenure as a director of several public companies. In addition, Mr. Goudet has significant experience overseeing transformational mergers and integration. In addition, Mr. Goudet has significant experience in the consumer packaged goods and coffee industries.


Peter Harf
Mr. Harf, age 73, has served as one of our directors since July 2018 and serves as Chair of our RemCo. From March 2016 until the closing of the DPS Merger, Mr. Harf served as a director on the board of Maple Parent Holdings Corp., Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.'s ("KGM") parent company, from March 2016 until July 2018. Mr. Harf is Managing Partner and Chairman of JAB Holding Company (“JAB”), having joined JAB in 1981, and Managing Director of Lucresca and Agnaten, both privately-owned holding companies affiliated with JAB. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Coty Inc. (“Coty”) and Espresso House Holding AB. Mr. Harf is also a Director of Jacobs Douwe Egberts, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Inc., Panera Bread Company, Pret A Manger, Caribou Coffee Company/Einstein Noah and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. Mr. Harf is co-founder and Executive Chairman of Delete Blood Cancer DKMS. Previously, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Coty, Deputy Chairman of Reckitt Benckiser and Chairman of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV. Mr. Harf holds an MBA degree from Harvard Business School and a Diploma and a Doctorate in Economics from the University of Cologne in Germany.
Mr. Harf brings to our Board extensive executive and management experience, including operating, strategic planning and international business experience, as well as significant governance and oversight experience attained through his tenure as a director of several public companies. In addition, Mr. Harf has significant experience in the coffee industry.
Genevieve Hovde
Ms. Hovde, 34, has served as one of our directors since July 2018. Prior to the closing of the DPS Merger, from March 2016 until July 2018 Ms. Hovde was a Board Observer of Maple Parent Holdings Corp., Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.'s parent company. Ms. Hovde currently serves as Partner at BDT & Company ("BDT"). She also serves on the Investment Committee of BDT Capital Partners, LLC and as a Board Observer of Jacobs Douwe Egberts and Peet's Coffee & Tea, Inc. BDT Capital Partners is a substantial indirect stockholder of KDP through its interests in Acorn Holdings B.V., the parent company of Maple Parent Holdings Corp. Prior to joining BDT in 2010, Ms. Hovde served as an Analyst in the Financial Institutions Group of J.P. Morgan’s Investment Banking Coverage division. Ms. Hovde holds a BS in Commerce, with concentrations in Finance and Accounting, from the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce.
Ms. Hovde has substantial banking and transactional experience, financial acumen developed from her banking experience, and experience in financial analysis.
Anna-Lena Kamenetzky
Ms. Kamenetzky, age 43, has served as one of our directors since July 2018. Prior to the closing of the DPS Merger, Ms. Kamenetzky served as a director on the board of Maple Parent Holdings Corp., Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.'s ("KGM") parent company, from March 2016 until July 2018. Ms. Kamenetzky is currently a Partner and Head of Business Development of JAB Holding Company and Co-Head of JAB Consumer Fund. She also serves as a Director of Jacobs Douwe Egberts and Coty Inc. Prior Director roles include then publicly-listed luxury shoe and accessories company Jimmy Choo, plc, private Japanese automotive supply company Niles, Corp. and private asset management firm Kleinwort Benson Investors Dublin Ltd. Her prior experience includes serving as Managing Director of RHJ US Management Inc. and serving in various different roles in the Investment Banking Division at Goldman Sachs in Frankfurt, New York and London between 2000 and 2007. Ms. Kamenetzky holds a double diploma in Business Administration from the Graduate School of Corporate Management (WHU) in Koblenz, Germany and L’Ecole de Management de Lyon, France.
Ms. Kamenetzky has substantial banking experience and significant experience working with global brands in the consumer products industry and experience overseeing transformational mergers and integrations, as well as significant governance and oversight experience attained through her tenure as a director of several public and private companies. In addition, Ms. Kamenetzky has significant experience in the coffee industry.


Paul S. Michaels
Mr. Michaels, age 67, has served as one of our directors since July 2018. Mr. Michaels is the former Global President of Mars, Inc. (“Mars”) from 2004 to 2015 and currently serves as a Director of Coty, Inc. and Krispy Kreme. Before joining Mars, Mr. Michaels spent 15 years at Johnson & Johnson building many of the company’s flagship brands, such as Band-Aid Brand Adhesive Bandages, REACH Toothbrushes and JOHNSON’S Baby Shampoo. He began his career at The Procter & Gamble Company. Mr. Michaels holds a BA from the University of Notre Dame.
Mr. Michaels brings to our Board senior executive leadership experience as well as demonstrated expertise and creativity in launching, building and supporting global brands in the consumer products industry, as well as financial acumen developed through his extensive executive experience. He has been designated by the RemCo as a financial expert under SEC regulations.
Pamela H. Patsley
Ms. Patsley, age 62, has served as one of our directors since April 2008. From January 2009 until her retirement in February 2018 she served in various roles at MoneyGram International, Inc. (“MGI”). From January 2016 until February 2018 she served as Executive Chairman of MGI, but in that role had no executive officer responsibilities. From September 2009 to December 2015 Ms. Patsley served as Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MGI, and from January 2009 until September 2009 she served as Executive Chairman. Previously, Ms. Patsley served as Senior Executive Vice President of First Data Corporation from 2000 to 2007 and President of First Data International from 2002 to 2007. She retired from those positions in 2007. From 1991 to 2000, she served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Paymentech, Inc., prior to its acquisition by First Data. Ms. Patsley also previously served as Chief Financial Officer of First USA, Inc. In addition to her Chairman’s role at MGI, Ms. Patsley has served on the board of directors of Texas Instruments Incorporated since 2004 to present, where she formerly served as Chair of the Audit Committee; since January 2017 she has served on the board of directors of Hilton Grand Vacations, Inc., where she is Chairman of the Audit Committee; and since June 2018 she has served on the board of directors of ACI Worldwide, Inc. Ms. Patsley served on the board of directors of Molson Coors Brewing Company from 1996 to 2009; Pegasus Solutions, Inc. from 2002 to 2006; and Paymentech, Inc. from 1995 to 1999. Ms. Patsley received a BS in accounting from the University of Missouri.
Ms. Patsley has extensive leadership experience as a chair and chief executive officer, chief financial officer and other executive level positions in public companies, financial acumen and risk management experience developed through her experience in public accounting and her chief executive officer and chief financial officer experience, and extensive public company board experience (including audit committee chair experience). She has been designated by the RemCo as a financial expert under SEC regulations.
Gerhard Pleuhs
Mr. Pleuhs, age 62, has served as one of our directors since July 2018. Prior to the closing of the DPS Merger, Mr. Pleuhs served as a director on the board of Maple Parent Holdings Corp., Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.’s ("KGM") parent company, from March 2016 until July 2018. Mr. Pleuhs currently serves as Executive Vice President & General Counsel of Mondelēz International, Inc., assuming the role at Kraft Foods Inc. (“Kraft”), Mondelēz’s predecessor company, in 2012. In this role, Mr. Pleuhs has global oversight of the legal and compliance and corporate and government affairs functions. Mr. Pleuhs previously held several predominantly legal leadership positions at Kraft at corporate, regional and local business levels in developing and emerging markets. He currently also serves as a Director of Jacobs Douwe Egberts. He began his career at Jacobs Kaffee Deutschland GmbH, prior to its acquisition by Altria Group, Inc. Mr. Pleuhs has a law degree from the University in Kiel.
Mr. Pleuhs brings to our Board significant experience working with global brands in the consumer products industry and overseeing transformational mergers and integration, supplemented by extensive international legal and transactional experience, as well as expertise in corporate governance issues, policies and best practices.


Fabien Simon
Mr. Simon, age 47, has served as one of our directors since January 2019. Mr. Simon became a Partner and Chief Financial Offer of JAB Holding Company (“JAB”) in January 2019. He also serves as a Director of Jacobs Douwe Egberts, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Inc. and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. Before joining JAB Mr. Simon served as Chief Financial Officer of Jacobs Douwe Egberts from 2014 to 2018. Prior to that role, Mr. Simon spent 14 years at Mars, Inc. in multiple finance and business transformation positions, including Corporate Finance Staff Officer and Chief Financial Officer for Asia-Pacific, and European Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Pet-Care. He began his career in 1993 at VALEO Group, where he held multiple management roles, including Finance Director. Mr. Simon has a MS in Finance & Accounting (MSTCF) from the UPJV - University of Picardy Jules Verne, and a national certificate of Finance and Accounting (DECF).
Mr. Simon has extensive senior level executive leadership experience in financial positions, substantial management experience, and financial acumen developed from his career in various finance roles. In addition, Mr. Simon has significant experience in the consumer packaged goods and coffee industries.
Robert Singer
Mr. Singer, age 67, has served as one of our directors since July 2018, and serves as Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee. From 2006 to 2009 he served as Chief Executive Officer of Barilla Holding S.p.A., an Italian food company, and before that he served as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Abercrombie and Fitch Co. from 2004 until 2005. He served as Chief Financial Officer of Gucci Group N.V. from 1995 to 2004. Mr. Singer started his career at Coopers & Lybrand in 1977. Mr. Singer also served as a director of Gianni Versace S.p.A. from 2009 to December 2016 and served as a director of Mead Johnson Nutrition from 2009 to June 2017. He has served on the board of Coty, Inc. ("Coty") since 2010 and currently serves as the Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee of Coty. He also serves as a director and chair of the audit committees of Tiffany & Co. since 2012, and Panera Bread Company since September 2017 and provides similar services to certain private companies affiliated with JAB Holding Company. Mr. Singer served as a senior advisor to CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC from 2011 to January 2016. He also served as Chairman of the audit committee of Jimmy Choo PLC from September 2014 to 2017. He received a BA degree from Johns Hopkins University, a MA degree in Comparative Literature from University of California, Irvine and graduated from New York University with a MS in Accounting.
Mr. Singer, the Chairman of the Audit Committee, has extensive operating, financial and executive experience as a former chief executive officer, financial acumen developed through his extensive executive experience, consumer product company experience and significant public company board experience (including audit chair experience). He has been designated by the RemCo as a financial expert under SEC regulations.
Dirk Van de Put
Mr. Van de Put, age 59, has served as a director since July 2018. Mr. Van de Put currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and a director of Mondelēz International, Inc. ("Mondelēz"), positions that he has held since November 2017, and as Chair of the Board of Mondelēz, a position he has held since April 2018. He previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of McCain Foods Limited from July 2011 to September 2017, and as its Chief Operating Officer from May 2010 until July 2011. Mr. Van de Put also previously served in global and international leadership roles at Novartis Inc., including as President of the Global OTC Division from 2009 to 2010, and in a variety of roles at Groupe Danone from 1998 to 2009, including as President of the Americas Division and joint President of the Fresh Dairy Division. He began his career in sales and marketing at Mars, Inc., before joining The Coca-Cola Company where he became President of Coca-Cola Caribbean. Mr. Van de Put holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Ghent, Belgium, and a post-graduate degree in marketing and management.
Mr. Van de Put has extensive senior level executive leadership experience in business and commercial operations in both emerging and developed markets. Mr. Van de Put has extensive leadership experience, including30 years of experience in the food and consumer package goods industry. Mr. Van de Put has significant public company board experience.


Larry D. Young
Mr. Young, age 64, has served as one of our directors since 2007. Mr. Young served as our President and Chief Executive Officer from October 2007 until the closing of the DPS Merger in July 2018. From October 2007 to May 2008, Mr. Young also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages. Mr. Young joined Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Bottling Group segment and Head of Supply Chain in 2006 after the acquisition of Dr Pepper/Seven Up Bottling Group, Inc. He had served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Dr Pepper/Seven Up Bottling Group since 2005. From 1997 to 2005, Mr. Young served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Pepsi-Cola General Bottlers, Inc. and Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs at PepsiAmericas, Inc.
Mr. Young has extensive senior level executive experience as our former Chief Executive Officer, over 40 years of experience in the beverage industry and substantial sales and marketing experience.
The Board unanimously recommends that KDP stockholders vote “FOR” each of the director nominees listed in the election proposal.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Non-Employee Director Compensation Prior to the DPS Merger
From January 1, 2018 until the closing of the DPS Merger, we compensated our non-employee directors as follows: an annual cash retainer of $100,000 and an annual equity award of RSUs with a value of $145,000. In addition, the chair of the Board, the chair of the Audit Committee and the chair of the Compensation Committee received an additional annual equity award of RSUs with a value of $140,000, $30,000 and $25,000, respectively. All of the RSUs granted to directors prior to the DPS Merger had a vesting period of three years from the date of grant; however, upon the closing of the DPS Merger each outstanding RSU was settled in exchange for (i) a number of shares of KDP common stock equal to the number of shares underlying such RSU (on a 1:1 basis) and (ii) an amount in cash equal to the number of shares underlying such RSU multiplied by the special cash dividend of $103.75 per share.
Non-Employee Director Compensation Following the DPS Merger
Non-employee directors receive compensation from us for their services on the Board and its committees. Mr. Gamgort, our only executive director following the closing of the DPS Merger on July 9, 2018, does not receive compensation for his services as a director.
Following the closing of the DPS Merger, we established the following compensation program for our non-employee directors for the remainder of 2018: an annual cash retainer of $100,000 (paid quarterly in arrears) and an annual equity award of KDP restricted stock units (“RSUs”) with a value of $160,000. In addition, the chair of the Audit Committee and the chair of the RemCo receive an additional cash retainer in the amount of $30,000 annually (paid quarterly in arrears).
Prior to his January 2019 resignation, our former Chairman of the Board, Mr. Becht, who was a non-employee director, was entitled to an annual cash retainer of $400,000 (paid quarterly in arrears) and an annual equity award of KDP RSUs with a value of $300,000.
All of the RSUs granted to directors following the DPS Merger vest five years from the date of grant.


Director compensation paid in our fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was as follows:
Non-Employee Directors Compensation for Fiscal 2018
NAME 
FEES EARNED
OR PAID
IN CASH
(1)
 
STOCK AWARDS(2)(3)
 OPTION AWARDS NON-EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN COMPENSATION CHANGE IN PENSION VALUE AND NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION EARNINGS 
ALL OTHER COMPENSATION(4)
 TOTAL
David E. Alexander*   
 $75,000
 $175,000
 $
 $
 $
 $901,496
 $1,151,496
Lambertus Becht(5)   
 100,000
 300,000
 
 
 
 
 400,000
Antonio Carrillo*   
 75,000
 145,000
 
 
 
 739,230
 959,230
Olivier Goudet 25,000
 160,000
 
 
 
 
 185,000
José M. Gutiérrez*   
 75,000
 145,000
 
 
 
 440,606
 660,606
Peter Harf 32,500
 160,000
 
 
 
 
 192,500
Genevieve Hovde(6)   
 25,000
 160,000
 
 
 
 
 185,000
Anna-Lena Kamenetzky 25,000
 160,000
 
 
 
 
 185,000
Paul S. Michaels 25,000
 160,000
 
 
 
 
 185,000
Pamela H. Patsley(7)   
 75,000
 305,000
 
 
 
 739,230
 1,119,230
Gerhard Pleuhs(8)   
 25,000
 160,000
 
 
 
 
 185,000
Ronald G. Rogers*   
 75,000
 145,000
 
 
 
 739,230
 959,230
Wayne R. Sanders*   
 75,000
 285,000
 
 
 
 1,376,797
 1,736,797
Dunia A. Shive*   
 75,000
 145,000
 
 
 
 739,230
 959,230
Robert Singer 32,500
 160,000
 
 
 
 
 192,500
M. Anne Szostak*   
 75,000
 170,000
 
 
 
 847,945
 1,092,945
Dirk Van de Put(9)   
 25,000
 160,000
 
 
 
 
 185,000
Larry D. Young(10)   
 25,000
 160,000
 
 
 
 
 185,000

* Resigned July 9, 2018 in connection with the DPS Merger.
(1)The amounts reported in the Fees Earned or Paid in Cash column reflect cash retainers earned in 2018. Following the DPS Merger, the directors are paid their cash retainers quarterly in arrears.
(2)The amounts reported in the Stock Awards column reflect the grant date fair value associated with each respective director’s RSUs granted under the Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan of 2009 computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Even though the RSUs may be forfeited, the amounts reported do not reflect this contingency.
(3)The following table shows the aggregate number of outstanding RSUs for each non-employee director as of December 31, 2018. All of these awards vest five years from their respective grant dates. The RSUs that were granted to directors prior to the DPS Merger accelerated upon the closing of the DPS Merger in exchange for (i) a number of shares of KDP Common Stock equal to the number of shares underlying such RSU (on a 1:1 basis), and (ii) an amount in cash equal to the number of shares underlying such RSU multiplied by the special cash dividend of $103.75 per share, as disclosed in the “All Other Compensation” column.
NAMEKeurig Dr Pepper Inc. KDP RSUs
Lambertus Becht          2022 PROXY STATEMENT           12,433
Olivier Goudet6,631
Peter Harf6,631
Genevieve Hovde6,631
Anna-Lena Kamenetzky6,631
Paul S. Michaels6,631
Pamela H. Patsley6,631
Gerhard Pleuhs6,631
Robert Singer6,631
Dirk Van de Put6,631
Larry D. Young6,63147




  Other Matters  

Q:

I LIVE WITH OTHER KDP STOCKHOLDERS. WHY DID WE ONLY RECEIVE ONE COPY OF PROXY MATERIALS?

(4)A:RSUs that were granted to directors prior

If you have consented to the DPS Merger accelerated upon the closingdelivery of only one set of proxy materials, as applicable, to multiple KDP stockholders who share your address, then only one set of proxy materials will be delivered to your household unless we have received contrary instructions from one or more of the DPS Mergerstockholders sharing your address. We will promptly deliver, upon oral or written request, a separate set of proxy materials to any stockholder at your address. If, now or in exchange for (i)the future, you wish to receive a numberseparate set of shares of KDP Common Stock equal to the number of shares underlying such RSU (onproxy materials, as applicable, you may contact in writing Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. Householding Department at 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York, 11717, or call 1-866-540-7095. We will promptly deliver a 1:1 basis) and (ii) an amount in cash equal to the number of shares underlying such RSU multiplied by the special cash dividend of $103.75 per share.

(5)Mr. Becht resigned from the Board on January 12, 2019. From July 9, 2018 until January 12, 2019 Mr. Becht served as Chairmanseparate copy of the Board.Notice or proxy materials to a stockholder at a shared address to which a single copy was delivered, if requested. If you would like to opt out of householding for future deliveries of proxy materials, please contact your broker, bank or other nominee. Stockholders sharing an address who now receive multiple sets of proxy materials may request delivery of a single copy by calling Broadridge at the above number or writing to Broadridge at the above address.

Q:

HOW DO I PRESENT A PROPOSAL OR NOMINATE A CANDIDATE FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE 2023 ANNUAL MEETING?

(6)A:Ms. Hovde is

If any of our stockholders intends to present a Partnerproposal for consideration at the 2023 Annual Meeting of BDT & Company. Ms. Hovde has agreed that she will not receive any separate compensation for serving as a directorStockholders, including the nomination of KDP and will transfer to BDT Capital Partners any director compensation she receives from KDP, including any awards made pursuant to grants of RSUs. Ms. Hovde disclaims beneficial ownershipdirectors, without inclusion of such RSUs exceptproposal in the proxy statement and form of proxy, such stockholder must provide notice to the extent of her pecuniary interests therein.

(7)Ms. Patsley served on our Board for all of fiscal 2018. Prior to July 9, 2018 directors were paid in advance for their service; following July 9, 2018 directors are paid in arrears for their service. Ms. Patsley’s total cash compensation of $75,000 during fiscal 2018 reflects this change in payment timing. Ms. Patsley received two annual equity grants in fiscal 2018 in connection with her service on our Board – a grant of RSUs on March 2, 2018 in an amount equal to $145,000 in connection with her service on our Board prior to the DPS Merger, and a grant of RSUs in September 2018 in an amount equal to $160,000 in connection with her service on our Board following the DPS Merger. Upon the closing of the DPS Merger each outstanding RSU was settled in exchange for (i) a number of shares of KDP common stock equal to the number of shares underlying such RSU (on a 1:1 basis) and (ii) an amount in cash equal to the number of shares underlying such RSU multiplied by the special cash dividend per share amount of $103.75.
(8)Mr. Pleuhs is an officer of Mondelēz and serves on the Board of KDP as a nominee of Mondelēz, a stockholder of the Issuer. Mr. Pleuhs has agreed that he will not receive any separate compensation for serving as a director of KDP and will transfer to Mondelēz any director compensation he receives from KDP, including any awards made pursuant to grants of RSUs. Mr. Pleuhs disclaims beneficial ownershipus of such RSUs except to the extent of his pecuniary interests therein.proposal.

(9)Mr. Van de Put is an officer of Mondelēz and serves on the Board of KDP as a nominee of Mondelēz, a stockholder of the Issuer. Mr. Van de Put has agreed that he will not receive any separate compensation for serving as a director of KDP and will transfer to Mondelēz any director compensation he receives from KDP, including any awards made pursuant to grants of RSUs. Mr. Van de Put disclaims beneficial ownership of such restricted stock units except to the extent of his pecuniary interests therein.
(10)Mr. Young served as our Chief Executive Officer and President until July 9, 2018, at which time he resigned from that position in connection with the DPS Merger, but continued to serve on the Board. The “Non-Employee Directors Compensation for Fiscal 2018” table only reflects compensation received by Mr. Young in respect of his service as a non-employee director following the DPS Merger in 2018.
Based on a study performed by Pearl Meyer, the total non-employee director compensation program established following the DPS Merger for 2018 approximates our compensation peer group median.
There is currently no stock ownership requirement for our non-employee directors.


BUSINESS EXPERIENCE OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Pursuant to Rule Other than Mr. Gamgort, who is the Chairman14a-8 of the Board and whose business experience is summarized under “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors” on page 16, the following is a summary of the business experience of our executive officers (ages are as of the date of the annual meeting):

James L. Baldwin, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Secretary, age 58, has served as our Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Secretary since July 2018. PriorExchange Act, stockholder proposals will need to that Mr. Baldwin served as our Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc.’s spin-offbe received by us not later than December 30, 2022, in May 2008. From July 2003order to May 2008, he served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages. From June 2002 to July 2003, he served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Dr Pepper/Seven Up, Inc., from August 1998 to June 2002 as General Counsel of Mott’s LLP and from March 1997 to August 1998 as Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of Dr Pepper/Seven Up, Inc. Mr. Baldwin graduated cum laude with BA in English from Washington & Lee University and earned his JD from Southern Methodist University.
Rodger L. Collins, President, Direct Store Delivery, age 61, has served as our President Direct Store Delivery since July 2018. Prior to that position he most recently served as the President of Packaged Beverages from February 2009 until July 2018. Mr. Collins previously served in various executive capacities with us and Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages, including President of Bottling Group Sales and Finished Goods Sales (September 2008 – February 2009), President of Salesbe eligible for the Bottling Group (October 2007 – September 2008), Midwest Division President for the Bottling Group (January 2005 – October 2007), and Regional Vice President (October 2001 – December 2004).
Fernando Cortes, Chief Supply Chain Officer, age 43,has served as our Chief Supply Chain Officer since July 2018. Prior to that position he was most recently our Executive Vice President of Supply Chain, having first joined the Company in 2003. During his tenure at the Company, Mr. Cortes has held a variety of progressive leadership roles across Supply Chain and Operations. Mr. Cortes began his career with Procter & Gamble in Latin America, holding different positions in product supply and manufacturing plant operations. He received a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City, and his MBA from Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México.
Ozan Dokmecioglu, Chief Financial Officer, age 47, has served as our Chief Financial Officer since July 2018. Prior to the DPS Merger Mr. Dokmecioglu served as the Chief Financial Officer of Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. (“KGM”) beginning in May 2016. Mr. Dokmecioglu joined KGM from Kellogg Inc. ("Kellogg"), where he served from 2012 until 2016inclusion in the positionsproxy statement and form of Vice President Finance, Chief Financial Officer North America and as Vice President Finance, Chief Financial Officer Europe. Before joining Kellogg in 2012, Mr. Dokmecioglu built his career in finance leadership roles inproxy distributed by the US, Europe, and Middle East with Kraft Foods Inc., Cargill Inc. and Arthur Andersen. Mr. Dokmecioglu holds a BS in Business Administration from the Middle East Technical University in Ankara, Turkey, and a certificate in Project Investment and Appraisal Management from Harvard University.
Herbert (Derek) Hopkins, Chief Commercial Officer, age 50, has served as our Chief Commercial Officer since July 2018. Prior to the DPS Merger, he was most recently Chief Integration Officer from February 2018 until July 2018, leading the DPS Merger and, prior to that, was President of Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.’s (“KGM”) U.S. business from 2015 until 2018. Prior to joining KGM in 2015 Mr. Hopkins spent 25 years in the beverage industry across the US, Canada and Europe. He has held a number of commercial, marketing and general management roles for companies including Bacardi Limited, The Coca-Cola Company, Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV, and Guinness Diageo. Mr. Hopkins holds a BBA from Texas Wesleyan University and has completed an Advanced Management Programs with INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France and The Wharton School of Business.


Brian (Andrew) Loucks, President, Keurig Appliances, age 43,has served as President of Keurig Appliances since July 2018. Prior to the DPS Merger, he served as the Senior Vice President, Beverage Brands from 2017 until 2018 for Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. (“KGM”) as well as serving as the interim President of the Keurig US Commercial business prior to the DPS Merger from February 2018 until July 2018. Prior to joining KGM in 2017, he held several leadership roles throughout North America beginning in 2002 at the Kellogg Company ("Kellogg"), including Vice President Marketing & Innovation and President, U.S. Frozen Foods, and Mr. Loucks was a member of the Global and North American Leadership Team. Prior to joining Kellogg in 2002, Mr. Loucks spent several years working in various sales and marketing roles within Unilever across food, personal care and home care categories. Mr. Loucks completed his studies in business administration at Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Canada and more recently completed the General Manager/Country Manager Executive Program at Harvard Business School.
Margaret (Meg) Newman, Chief Human Resources Officer, age 50, has served as our Chief Human Resources Officer since July 2018. Prior to the DPS Merger, Ms. Newman served as the Chief Human Resources Officer for Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. (“KGM”) since 2017. Prior to joining KGM, Ms. Newman served as Chief People Officer of Home Depot Supply. She previously held key human resources roles in Conseco Insurance and Sears Roebuck & Company. Ms. Newman is a Director of Core & Main, and is a member of the HR Leadership Forum, the Society for Human Resource Management and the HR Policy Association. Ms. Newman holds a BA in Psychology from Coe College and an MA in Liberal Arts from the University of Wisconsin.
Maria Sceppaguercio, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, age 57,has served as our Chief Corporate Affairs Officer since July 2018. Prior to the DPS Merger Ms. Sceppaguercio served as Senior Vice President, Investor Relations for Keurig Green Mountain (“KGM”) since joining in 2018. Prior to joining KGM, Ms. Sceppaguercio was Senior Vice President of Investor Relations for Pinnacle Foods, having built the award-winning investor relations function for the company following their initial public offering. Prior to Pinnacle Foods, Ms. Sceppaguercio held senior positions in finance, corporate communications and investor relations at Ann Taylor and Revlon, Inc. She began her career at Nabisco, where she held senior management positions in finance, strategic and business planning and investor relations during her 18-year tenure. Ms. Sceppaguercio holds an MBA from Seton Hall University and a BS in Business Administration from Montclair State University.
Angela Stephens, Controller, age 58,has served as our Controller since July 2018. From 2008 until the closing of the DPS Merger, Ms. Stephens served as the Senior Vice President, Controller of Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. (“DPS”). Prior to joining DPS, Ms. Stephens served in various controller, external audit, operational and consulting roles, including as Executive Vice President-Finance for ClubCorp, Inc. Ms. Stephens graduated summa cum laude with a BS in Business Administration in Accounting from Baylor University. She is a CPA in the state of Texas and member of the AICPA. Ms. Stephens is also a member of Financial Executives International and its Committee on Corporate Reporting.
James R. Trebilcock, Chief Concentrate and International Officer, age 61, has served as our Chief Concentrate and International Officer since July 2018. Prior to the DPS Merger, Mr. Trebilcock served as our Chief Commercial Officer from January 2016 to July 2018. From September 2008 to January 2016 he served as our Executive Vice President, Marketing. From Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc.’s (“DPS”) spin-off in May 2008 to September 2008, Mr. Trebilcock served as our Senior Vice President — Marketing. From February 2003 to May 2008, Mr. Trebilcock served as the Senior Vice President — Consumer Marketing of Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages. Mr. Trebilcock held various positions in Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages and its predecessor businesses since July 1987. Mr. Trebilcock is a member of the board of directors of the Association of National Advertisers and the Cotton Bowl Classic and serves as president of the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup. Mr. Trebilcock is a graduate of Michigan State University where he holds a BA and an MBA in marketing.


CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF KDP COMMON STOCK
The following table sets forth, as of April 10, 2019, the record date for the annual meeting, certain informationBoard with respect to the shares2023 Annual Meeting. With respect to any notice of a proposal that a stockholder intends to present for consideration at the 2023 Annual Meeting, without inclusion of such proposal in the proxy statement and form of proxy, including director nominations, in accordance with Article II, Section 6(c) or 7(b) of our common stock beneficially ownedBy-Laws, as applicable, stockholder proposals will need to be received by (i) stockholders knownus not sooner than February 9, 2023, but not later than March 11, 2023, in order to usbe presented at the 2023 Annual Meeting. Stockholder proposals must be sent to own more than 5%our principal executive offices, 6425 Hall of Fame Lane, Frisco, TX 75034, Attention: Corporate Secretary. To be in proper written form, a stockholder’s notice to the outstanding sharesCompany of a director nomination must include the information set forth in Section 6(d) of our common stock, (ii) each of our directors and Named Executive Officers and (iii) all of our executive officers and directors as a group. Unless otherwise noted below, the address of each beneficial owner listed in the table below is Keurig Dr Pepper Inc., 53 South Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803.
NAMEAMOUNT OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK PERCENT OF CLASS
BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF MORE THAN 5% OF OUR COMMON STOCK   
Maple Holdings B.V.(1)   
1,005,923,440
 71.48%
Mondelēz International Holdings LLC(2)   
191,631,181
 13.62%
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS:   
Olivier Goudet20,000
 *
Peter Harf(3)   
178,200
 *
Genevieve Hovde(4)

 *
Anna-Lena Kamenetzky
 *
Paul S. Michaels(5)   
193
 *
Pamela Patsley20,032
 *
Gerhard Pleuhs(6)   

 *
Fabien Simon
 *
Robert Singer38,501
 *
Dirk Van de Put(7)   

 *
Larry D. Young767,220
 *
NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS(8)
   
Robert Gamgort2,409,994
 *
Ozan Dokmecioglu(9)   
1,060,397
 *
Marty Ellen(10)   
50,500
 *
Rodger Collins282,955
 *
James J. Johnston(11)    
86,656
 *
James L. Baldwin167,097
 *
All other Executive Officers (6 persons)(12)   
1,090,892
 *
All Executive Officers and Directors as a Group (23 persons)(13)   
6,172,637
 *

By-Laws.

*Less than 1% of outstanding shares of Common Stock.
(1)Based on a Schedule 13D filed by the stockholder with the SEC on July 19, 2018. Such stockholder has indicated that it beneficially owns 1,005,923,440 shares, and has shared voting and dispositive power with respect to 1,005,923,440 shares. Agnaten SE ("Agnaten") and Lucresca SE ("Lucresca"), each of which is a company with its registered seat in Austria, and JAB Holdings B.V., a Netherlands corporation, indirectly have voting and investment control over the shares held by such stockholder. Maple Holdings B.V. is a direct subsidiary of Acorn Holdings B.V. and an indirect subsidiary of Agnaten and Lucresca. Agnaten and Lucresca are each controlled by Renate Reimann-Haas, Wolfgang Reimann, Stefan Reimann-Andersen and Matthias Reimann-Andersen, who with Peter Harf and Olivier Goudet exercise voting and investment authority over the shares held by Maple Holdings B.V. Agnaten, Lucresca and Maple Holdings B.V. disclaim the existence of a "group" and disclaim beneficial ownership of these securities except to the extent of a pecuniary interest therein. The address of Agnaten and Lucresca is Rooseveltplatz 4-5/Top 10, 1090 Vienna and the address of Maple Holdings B.V. and JAB Holdings B.V. is Oosterdoksstraat 80, Amsterdam 1011DK, The Netherlands.
(2)Based on a Schedule 13D filed by Mondelēz International, Inc. with the SEC on July 19, 2018. Mondelēz International Holdings LLC is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Mondelēz International, Inc. Such stockholder has indicated that it beneficially owns 191,631,181 shares, has shared voting and dispositive power with respect to 191,631,181 shares. Mondelēz International Holdings LLC is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Mondelēz International, Inc. (“Mondelēz International”). The address of such stockholder is Three Parkway North, Deerfield, Illinois 60015.
(3)21,400 shares are held by Mr. Harf’s spouse, and 156,800 shares are held by HFS Sarl. Mr. Harf has a pecuniary interest in the shares.
(4)Ms. Hovde is a Partner of BDT & Company. Ms. Hovde has agreed that she will not receive any separate compensation for serving as a director of KDP and will transfer to BDT Capital Partners any director compensation she receives from KDP, including any awards made pursuant to grants of RSUs. Ms. Hovde disclaims beneficial ownership of such RSUs except to the extent of her pecuniary interests therein.


(5)114 shares are owned by the Paul S. Michaels 1994 Trust. Mr. Michaels has a pecuniary interest in the trust. 79 shares are owned by the Arthur Street LLC, a limited liability company in which Mr. Michaels has a pecuniary interest.
(6)Mr. Pleuhs is an officer of Mondelēz and serves on the Board of Directors of KDP as a nominee of Mondelēz International, a stockholder of the Issuer. Mr. Pleuhs has agreed that he will not receive any separate compensation for serving as a director of KDP and will transfer to Mondelēz any director compensation he receives from KDP, including any awards made pursuant to grants of restricted stock units. Mr. Pleuhs disclaims beneficial ownership of such restricted stock units except to the extent of his pecuniary interests therein.
(7)Mr. Van de Put is an officer of Mondelēz International, Inc. and serves on the Board of Directors of KDP as a nominee of Mondelēz International, a stockholder of the Issuer. Mr. Van de Put has agreed that he will not receive any separate compensation for serving as a director of KDP and will transfer to Mondelēz International any director compensation he receives from KDP, including any awards made pursuant to grants of restricted stock units. Mr. Van de Put disclaims beneficial ownership of such restricted stock units except to the extent of his pecuniary interests therein.
(8)Does not include the Company's former Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Young, who is a Named Executive Officer for fiscal 2018, as he is included above under the heading, "Security Ownership of Directors."
(9)Includes 1,060,397 shares pledged to Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, as the lending bank ("Morgan Stanley Private Bank"), by Mr. Dokmecioglu as security for margin loans and held by Morgan Stanley Private Bank for the benefit of Mr. Dokmecioglu. Morgan Stanley Private Bank is an affiliate of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, the record holder of the shares. Morgan Stanley Private Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of the parent holding company, Morgan Stanley. Morgan Stanley and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC may be deemed to beneficially own these shares. The address of this beneficial owner is 2000 Westchester Avenue, Purchase, NY 10577. The address of Morgan Stanley and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is 1585 Broadway, New York, NY 10036.
(10)These shares are owned by Martin Robin Partners, L.P., a limited partnership in which Mr. Ellen has a pecuniary interest. This information is based on information provided by Mr. Ellen to the Company. The Company assumes no responsibility with respect to such information.
(11)This information is based on information provided by Mr. Johnston to the Company. The Company assumes no responsibility with respect to such information.
(12)Includes 32,250 shares pledged to Morgan Stanley Private Bank by Mr. Loucks as security for margin loans and held by Morgan Stanley Private Bank for the benefit of Mr. Loucks. Morgan Stanley Private Bank is an affiliate of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, the record holder of the shares. Morgan Stanley Private Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of the parent holding company, Morgan Stanley. Morgan Stanley and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC may be deemed to beneficially own these shares. The address of this beneficial owner is 2000 Westchester Avenue, Purchase, NY 10577. The address of Morgan Stanley and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is 1585 Broadway, New York, NY 10036. This number includes 75,080 shares related to stock options held by Mr. Cortes which are exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date.
(13)In addition to the 1,060,397 shares pledged by Mr. Dokmecioglu as described in footnote 9 to this table, includes a total of 32,250 shares pledged by Mr. Loucks as described in footnote 12 to this table. This number includes the shares held by Messrs. Ellen and Johnston, who are Named Executive Officers for fiscal 2018 and former executive officers of the Company. This number includes 75,080 shares related to stock options held by Mr. Cortes which are exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date. Each of Messrs. Harf, Goudet and Simon and Ms. Kamenetzky disclaim beneficial ownership in any shares held by Maple Holdings B.V. except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein. Each of Messrs. Gerd and Van de Put disclaim beneficial ownership in any shares held by Mondelēz except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein.
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) requires our directors, certain officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of our outstanding common stock to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of our common stock held by such persons. These persons are also required to furnish us with copies of all forms they file under this regulation. We received written representations from each such person who did not file an annual statement on Form 5 with the SEC that no Form 5 was due. Based on our review of the reports and representations, we believe that all Section 16(a) reports were timely filed in 2018, except that a delay in Mr. Loucks’ broker reporting a transaction to the Company led to the late filing of a Form 4 for Mr. Loucks.
PROPOSAL 2 — APPROVAL OF THE RATIFICATION PROPOSAL
Deloitte has been selected by the Audit Committee as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2019, subject to ratification by our stockholders. Deloitte has served as the independent registered public accounting firm of DPS since 2006 and Maple since 2016, and has continued to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm of KDP since the closing of the DPS Merger. A representative of Deloitte is expected to be present at the annual meeting. That representative will have an opportunity to make a statement, if desired, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
We are asking our stockholders to ratify the appointment of Deloitte as our registered independent public accounting firm as a matter of good corporate governance, even though ratification is not required by our Amended and Restated By-Laws, other governing documents or otherwise. If our stockholders fail to ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to retain Deloitte as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2019. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during fiscal year 2019 if it is determined that such a change would be in the best interests of KDP and its stockholders.


The Board unanimously recommends that KDP’s stockholders vote “FOR” the ratification proposal.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM’S FEES
Fees for professional services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm in each of the last two fiscal years, in each of the following categories, were as follows:
(in 000’s)2018 2017
Audit Fees(1)   
$8,222
 $3,650
Audit-Related Fees
 
Tax Fees(2)
125
 
All Other Fees(3)
397
 
Total Fees$8,744
 $3,650

(1)These amounts represent fees of Deloitte for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements, the review of financial statements included in our quarterly Form 10-Q reports, the audit of internal controls over financial reporting, services rendered in connection with acquisitions and debt offerings and the services that an independent auditor would customarily provide in connection with statutory requirements, regulatory filings, and similar engagements for the fiscal year, such as comfort letters, consents and assistance with review of documents filed with the SEC. Audit Fees also include advice about accounting matters that arose in connection with or as a result of the audit or the review of periodic consolidated financial statements and statutory audits that non-U.S. jurisdictions require. For purposes of this schedule, fees billed from non-U.S. jurisdictions in the currencies of such jurisdictions have been converted to U.S. dollars as of the date of the approval of such fees. For 2018, this amount excludes approximately $1.4 million in Audit Fees paid by Maple to Deloitte prior to the closing of the DPS Merger on July 9, 2018 in connection with Deloitte's representation of Maple prior to the DPS Merger.
(2)These amounts represent fees of Deloitte for professional services related to tax planning and tax advice.
(3)These amounts primarily represent fees of Deloitte for finance transformation consulting services in 2018.
The Audit Committee approved all of our independent registered public accounting firm’s audit engagements for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. All audit and non-audit services provided to us by our independent registered public accounting firm are required to be pre-approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with the policies and procedures set forth in the current Audit Committee Charter, available on our website at www.keurigdrpepper.com under the Investors — Corporate Governance — Committee Charters — Audit Committee Charter captions.
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee is comprised of Mr. Singer (Chair), Mr. Michaels and Ms. Patsley. All of the Audit Committee members are “independent,” as defined in the current NYSE listing standards and the applicable rules of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Each of Mr. Singer, Mr. Michaels and Ms. Patsley meet the definition of “audit committee financial expert,” as defined in SEC Regulation S-K.
The Audit Committee charter, as revised and approved by the Board on July 9, 2018, sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is primarily responsible for the oversight of the quality and integrity of KDP’s financial statements and related disclosures (including the quality, adequacy and effectiveness of our internal controls), KDP’s compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, and the independent registered public accountant’s performance, qualifications and independence.
Management has primary responsibility for the preparation of the financial statements, the completeness and accuracy of financial reporting, the overall system of internal controls over financial reporting and the performance of the internal audit function. The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed KDP’s financial statements with management and management’s evaluation and assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.
The Audit Committee engaged Deloitte as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2018, to be responsible for planning and conducting the audit of the financial statements and expressing an opinion on the fairness of the financial statements and their conformity with U.S. GAAP and for auditing of KDP’s internal control over financial reporting and expressing an opinion on its effectiveness.


The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with Deloitte, with and without management present, the financial statement audit, its evaluation of effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting and the overall quality of financial reporting and disclosure. Deloitte has delivered to the Audit Committee (i) the written disclosures and the letter required by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Accounting Standards (“PCAOB”) AS 1301: Communications with Audit Committees and (ii) the communication required by PCAOB Ethics and Independence Rule 3526, Communications with Audit Committees Concerning Independence and informed the Audit Committee that, with respect to KDP, it is independent under the SEC rules and the independence requirements of the PCAOB. The Audit Committee has discussed with Deloitte the written disclosures and the letter regarding their independence.
Based on the Audit Committee’s review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2019.
Submitted by the Audit Committee of the Board:
48           
2022 PROXY STATEMENT           Robert Singer (Chair)
Paul S. Michaels
Pamela H. PatsleyKeurig Dr Pepper Inc.


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KEURIG DR PEPPER INC.

53 SOUTH AVE.

BURLINGTON, MA 01803

PROPOSAL 3 — APPROVAL OF ADVISORY RESOLUTION ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
In accordance with

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VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com or scan the Dodd-Frank Wall Street ReformQR Barcode above

Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and Consumer Protection Actfor electronic delivery of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”)information. Vote by 11:59 P.M. ET on 06/08/2022. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and related SEC rules, we are asking stockholdersfollow the instructions to vote,obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.

VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903

Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions. Vote by 11:59 P.M. ET on a non-binding advisory basis, to approve compensation paid to our Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”). Executive compensation is disclosed06/08/2022. Have your proxy card in our “Compensation Discussionhand when you call and Analysis” (“CD&A”)then follow the instructions.

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Mark, sign and the tablesdate your proxy card and text following the CD&A.

We are committed to aligning executive compensation with KDP performance and increasing long-term stockholder value, and believe that our compensation program is competitive, stimulates business growth through long-term incentives, and further aligns the executives’ interests with those of the Company’s stockholders. We will continue to design and implement our executive compensation programs and policies in line with this philosophy to promote superior performance results and generate greater value for our stockholders.
Resolution
For the reasons discussed above, the Board recommends that stockholders vote in favor of the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to KDP’s NEOs with respect to 2018, as disclosed pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules and regulations of the SEC, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and the narrative discussion, is hereby APPROVED.”
Because your vote on this proposal is advisory,return it will not be binding on the Board. However, the RemCo and the Board will consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions.
The Board unanimously recommends that KDP’s stockholders vote “FOR” the 2018 compensation proposal.
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
DPS Merger
On July 9, 2018, we successfully completed the DPS Merger, creating KDP, the seventh-largest company in the U.S. food and beverage sector and the third-largest beverage company in North America, with annual revenues in fiscal 2018, on a pro forma basis, of approximately $11 billion.


Given the transformational nature of the merger, we formulated a single compensation philosophy for the combined post-merger organization, but due to the mid-year timing of the closing, continued separate short-term management incentive plans for each legacy company for the remainder of 2018. In addition, since our two legacy companies operated on different fiscal years, following the closing we transitioned KGM’s fiscal year (generally October to September) to a calendar-year basis to be consistent with DPS’ historical fiscal year, and established a single fiscal year for the combined KDP moving forward of January 1 through December 31. This shift in KGM’s fiscal year created an additional quarter of short-term incentive compensation in fiscal 2018 for legacy-KGM employees, including Mr. Gamgort and Mr. Dokmecioglu.
Overview of Post-Merger Compensation Philosophy & Objectives
The overriding objective of our post-DPS Merger compensation programs for our NEOs is to encourage, reinforce and reward delivery of stockholder value.
Post-merger NEO compensation consists of base salary, annual cash incentive awards under our Short-Term Incentive Plan (“STIP”) and equity awards under our Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”), and our Executive Ownership Plan (“EOP”). We also provide certain benefits and perquisites in line with general practice. Variable pay under our STIP, LTIP and EOP has been and will continue to be the most significant element of our NEO compensation program.
Competitive Compensation
Our compensation program for our NEOs is designed to compensate them competitively to ensure that we attract and retain the right talent to deliver stockholder value. We generally review and consider the 50th percentile market pay level when assessing executive compensation, but pay decisions are based on a more comprehensive set of considerations such as company performance, individual executive performance, experience, internal equity, etc. We benchmark our compensation against a peer group of companies with whom we compete for key talent (the “Compensation Peer Group”), which is described more fully below.
Short-term Variable, Performance-Based Pay
The STIP is a key component of the post-DPS Merger compensation program for our NEOs. Our STIP is designed to stimulate achievement of business results by linking highly-leveraged annual cash incentives up to a pre-established maximum amount to the achievement of collective performance targets. These collective targets represent key business objectives that we believe drive Company performance and stockholder value. We believe that setting collective targets provides meaningful metrics, aligns the STIP with Company and divisional performance (through the use of the performance metrics described below), as applicable, and makes the administration of the STIP clear to its participants. We believe that the STIP encourages, reinforces and rewards delivery of stockholder value by linking highly-leveraged annual cash awards with the achievement of quantifiable performance measures.
There is one STIP for all NEOs beginning in 2019 which is based on KDP’s overall performance. Beginning in 2019 target STIP awards for each NEO are calculated as a percentage of such NEO’s base salary and may be multiplied by a factor ranging from zero to 3.1 times such target award. 100% of the NEO’s STIP payout will be based on the Company’s achievement with respect to collective financial performance criteria.
Long-term Equity-Based Compensation
To balance incentives to achieve short-term and long-term success, the post-DPS Merger compensation program for our NEOs also includes long-term equity-based compensation under the LTIP. We closely align the interests of our NEOs with those of our stockholders through a compensation program which pays a significant portion of total compensation in the form of equity-based long-term incentives. Long-term equity-based compensation provides direct alignment between the interests of our NEOs and stockholders. Generally, annual equity-based awards have five-year cliff vesting tied to continued employment with the Company to help ensure long-term retention of key executive talent.
Investment Programs
We strongly believe in encouraging stock ownership by our NEOs. We have designed certain equity compensation programs to promote stock ownership and investment in the Company in order to align the interests of our executives with those of our stockholders.
We adopted our Elite Investment Program (“Elite” or “Investment Program”) under our EOP at the closing of the DPS Merger, under which executives who elect to purchase shares of common stock of KDP (“KDP Common Stock”) at a required minimum ownership level receive a matching award of restricted stock units (“Matching RSUs”). These Matching RSUs generally have a five-year cliff vesting period tied to continued employment with the Company. Executives must fulfill the required minimum purchase of shares of KDP Common Stock within one-year following the election date to retain the executive’s Matching RSUs.


During 2018, our RemCo provided certain executives the ability to invest in the Elite program under our EOP. Executives who chose to enroll in Elite are assigned a minimum and maximum investment level corresponding to their job level and business scope. Participating executives receive Matching RSUs based on their investment commitment to purchase shares of KDP Common Stock. The Matching RSUs generally vest 100% on the fifth anniversary of the grant date, but are subject to forfeiture, in whole or in part, if the executive does not own and maintain his or her investment level (as described further below) of KDP Common Stock through the vesting date.
All NEOs who are current employees of the Company participate in Elite other than Mr. Collins. To retain incentive equity granted or purchased in Elite: our CEO must maintain a minimum ownership of shares of KDP Common Stock with a value equal to $25 million; our CFO must maintain a minimum ownership of shares of KDP Common Stock with a value equal to $11 million; and the other members of the KDP executive leadership team must purchase and/or maintain a minimum ownership of shares with a value between $1.8 million to $3 million.
“Say-on-Pay” Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation
The annual Say-on-Pay vote at the annual meeting of stockholders that occurred on June 29, 2018 passed with approximately 96.7% of the votes cast (i.e., votes cast “for” or “against”) in favor of the resolution. The RemCo considers this to be a strong indicator of support for the Company’s historical executive compensation program generally.  The RemCo believes that the changes to the executive compensation program implemented following the DPS Merger further align the interests of management with those of the stockholders.
We are committed to aligning executive compensation with KDP performance and increasing long-term stockholder value. We will continue to design and implement our executive compensation programs and policies in line with this philosophy to promote superior performance results and generate greater value for our stockholders. The next “Say-on-Pay” vote will occur at our 2020 annual meeting of stockholders.
Executive Summary
Our Named Executive Officers
Our NEOs for fiscal 2018 are:
Robert Gamgort, Executive Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Larry Young, former President and Chief Executive Officer
Ozan Dokmecioglu, Chief Financial Officer
Martin Ellen, former Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
James Baldwin, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Secretary
Rodger Collins, President Direct Store Delivery
James Johnston, former President, Beverage Concentrates and Latin America Beverages
James Trebilcock, Chief Concentrate & International Officer
Messrs. Young, Ellen, and Johnston stepped down from their positions as executive officers of the Company in July 2018 in connection with the closing of the DPS Merger. Mr. Young remained on the Board following the closing of the DPS Merger as a non-executive director.


In accordance with SEC rules, this Proxy includes compensation for:
Messrs. Gamgort and Dokmecioglu for July 9, 2018 through December 31, 2018, the period of time in fiscal 2018 for which they were employees of and received compensation from the Company. The fiscal 2018 bonus payouts which each of Messrs. Gamgort and Dokmecioglu received reflects performance for all of KGM’s fiscal 2018 bonus period (October 2017 through September 2018) as well as an additional quarter bonus period from October 2018 through December 2018 which all eligible legacy-KGM employees received in order to align the short-term incentive period between legacy-KGM and legacy-DPS employees beginning on January 1, 2019;
Messrs. Young, Ellen, and Johnston in fiscal 2018, which reflects their resignations in July 2018 and severance payments (and Mr. Young’s continuing service as a non-employee director following the closing of the DPS Merger, as described in the “Director Compensation” section);
Messrs. Baldwin, Collins, and Trebilcock for the entire fiscal 2018. For Messrs. Collins and Trebilcock it also includes payments made in connection with the DPS Merger in lieu of any future change-in-control or severance payments.
Other Post-DPS Merger Governance Highlights
We believe our NEO compensation program follows best practices with respect to corporate governance and risk management, and includes the following principles:
Stock ownership required. We strongly believe in encouraging stock ownership by our NEOs. As described above, all of our current NEOs other than Mr. Collins participate in Elite.
No tax gross-ups. Any personal income taxes due as a result of compensation and/or perquisites, other than reimbursement for relocation expenses, are generally the responsibility of the NEOs. We do not provide tax gross-ups on any change-in-control benefits.
Incentives do not encourage excessive risk taking. In order to assess the risk inherent in the design of our compensation program, management regularly undertakes a comprehensive inventory of all plans and programs. In early 2018, prior to the closing of the DPS Merger and shortly following the closing of the DPS Merger, management reviewed each plan and program for risk features and presented its findings to the DPS Compensation Committee or the RemCo, as applicable. Based on this review, management and the RemCo believe that the nature of our business, and the material risks we face, are such that the compensation programpostage-paid envelope we have put in place does not contain features that could potentially encourage excessive risk taking.provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.

In addition, we continue to utilize multiple performance measures under the STIP to reduce the risk of over-concentration on a single business or financial metric. Our RSUs generally have five-year cliff vesting tied to continued employment with the Company, which encourages focus on the long-term value of our stock, aligns management’s and stockholders’ interests and discourages excessive risk taking to optimize short-term and non-sustainable performance.
No backdating or repricing of equity awards, including stock options. While we currently are not utilizing stock options as part of our compensation mix, repricing of stock options and issuing stock options at below market exercise prices are strictly prohibited by our equity incentive plan and any options we would grant must have an exercise price at least equal to the fair market value of our stock on the date of grant.
Independent external experts engaged for executive compensation information. Following the DPS Merger, the RemCo has engaged Pearl Meyer as its independent executive compensation consultant.
Perquisites. NEO perquisites are reasonable and do not represent a significant portion of each NEO’s total compensation.
Double-trigger equity award vesting upon a change of control. All active equity compensation plans and programs that provide for additional or accelerated payment or fully accelerated vesting in connection with a change in the control of the Company, including the LTIP and the Matching RSUs, require a “double-trigger,” which means that accelerated vesting of equity will only occur upon a termination of employment in connection with a change of control (and not solely as a result of the completion of a change in control transaction). The equity awards vest in full upon a qualifying termination in connection with a change of control.


Competitive Compensation and Peer Group Rationale
Pre-DPS Merger
In 2017, Mercer HR Services, LLC assisted the DPS Compensation Committee as an outside executive compensation consultant and reviewed potential peer companies for 2018. These pre-DPS Merger peers are companies operating in similar industries with whom we were most likely to exchange talent at the executive officer level based on certain criteria, including status as a public company, basis in the United States, branded consumer products focus, revenue proximity and market cap. Based on this peer selection methodology, the DPS Compensation Committee approved the following peer companies to use as a comparison in its pre-DPS Merger executive compensation decisions for 2018:

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Brown-Forman CorporationGeneral Mills, Inc.Molson Coors Brewing Company
Campbell Soup CompanyThe Hershey CompanyPinnacle Foods, Inc.
The Clorox CompanyHormel Foods CorporationPost Holdings, Inc.
ConAgra Foods, Inc.The J. M. Smucker CompanyTreehouse Foods, Inc.
Constellation Brands, Inc.Kellogg Company
Dean Foods CompanyMcCormick & Company, Incorporated
The pre-DPS Merger compensation program generally set cash compensation at median levels compared to the pre-DPS Merger peers and provided the opportunity to earn total direct compensation towards the 50th percentile of the pre-DPS Merger peer group based upon performance.
Post-DPS Merger
In 2018 following the closing of the DPS Merger, the RemCo engaged Pearl Meyer to provide information regarding competitive compensation peer group and compensation benchmarking data for NEO’s and executive-level positions, as well as information about market practices for equity compensation and plan governance. The RemCo assessed the independence of Pearl Meyer and concluded that Pearl Meyer is independent and no conflict of interest exists that would prevent Pearl Meyer from providing this information to the RemCo.
In establishing compensation for our NEOs, we consider the compensation practices of the Compensation Peer Group, which differs from the pre-DPS Merger peer group in certain respects. When making executive pay decisions, the RemCo considers the pay levels for similar roles among the Compensation Peer Group companies. In doing so, the RemCo considers a total compensation range between the 50th and 75th percentile as reasonable given the highly performance-leveraged pay mix and stretch performance goals in place at KDP.
The RemCo periodically reviews the companies included in the Compensation Peer Group. Following the closing of the DPS Merger, the RemCo adopted the historical peer group of KGM as KDP’s Compensation Peer Group the Company. The Compensation Peer Group includes the companies that compete directly with us for executive talent and compete with us in the marketplace for business and investment opportunities.
Our post-DPS Merger 2018 Compensation Peer Group included the following companies:
Nestle S.ADanone SA
The Procter & Gamble CompanyKellogg Company
PepsiCo, Inc.Reckitt Benckiser Group plc
Anheuser-Bush InBev SA/NVDiageo plc
Unilever PLCCampbell Soup Company
The Coca-Cola CompanyThe Hershey Company
Mondelēz International, Inc.McCormick & Company, Incorporated
The Kraft Heinz CompanyChocoladenfabriken Lindt & Sprungli AG
Compensation elements from the Compensation Peer Group are then regressed to size-adjust the data to reflect the relative revenue scope of the NEOs as compared to the Compensation Peer Group. The RemCo supplements the Compensation Peer Group data with Published Survey Data. The RemCo believes that using both the relative size-adjusted Compensation Peer Group and Published Survey Data provides a balanced approach to attract and retain highly talented employees.


Pearl Meyer reports directly to the RemCo, with input from certain members of senior management. All decisions with respect to the amount and form of NEO compensation under our executive compensation programs are made solely by the RemCo and may reflect factors and considerations other than the information provided by Pearl Meyer.
Elements of Post-Merger Compensation
The 2018 executive compensation program applicable to the continuing NEOs following the closing of the DPS Merger consisted of the following principal elements:
Compensation Element
 Method for Establishing its ValueThe Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR  Form of Payment  Who Establishes Objectives and Participation
Base Salary Compensation Peer Group analysis, adjusted from time to time to ensure market competitivenessthe following:  Cash  Except with respect to their own compensation, the Chief Human Resources Officer (“CHRO”) and the CEO recommend and the RemCo approves.
Annual Incentive
 Collective performance as defined by the STIP or MIP metrics applicable to each NEO1.  CashElection of Directors  Except with respect to their own compensation, the CHRO and the CEO recommend, and the RemCo approves: (i) NEO participation in the annual incentive program and (ii) corporate and business unit metrics. The RemCo determines performance against corporate and business unit metrics.
Long-Term Incentive  Compensation Peer Group analysis adjusted to reflect the total pool size  RSUs that cliff-vest five years from the date of grant
 Except with respect to their own compensation, the CHRO and the CEO recommend target grant levels for each NEO, and the RemCo approves target grant levels.
Investment Program  NEO investment in Common StockNominees  Matching RSUs generally vest five years from the date of grant. Each award is subject to the NEO’s continuing employment with the Company and subject to full or partial forfeiture in the event that the NEO does not achieve and maintain a minimum level of KDP Common Stock ownershipFor  Except with respect to their own compensation, the CHRO and the CEO recommend, and the RemCo approves target investment levels for each NEO.
Benefits and PerquisitesAgainst  Constitute a minor portion of compensation while maximizing executives' focus on company operationsAbstain
1ARobert Gamgort
1BMichael Call
1COlivier Goudet
1DPeter Harf
1EJuliette Hickman
1FPaul S. Michaels
1GPamela H. Patsley
1HLubomira Rochet
1IDebra Sandler
1JRobert Singer
1KLarry D. Young

     
        
Base Salary
We pay base salaries to provide executives with a secure, fixed base of cash compensation in recognition of individual responsibilities and job performance. Consistent with our pay-for-performance philosophy, base salary did not account for more than 7% of any NEO’s fiscal 2018 actual total direct compensation on an annualized basis.


Salary levels are typically set and reviewed periodically by the RemCo (or, prior to the DPS Merger, the DPS Compensation Committee). Any salary increases are approved by the RemCo (or, prior to the DPS Merger, the DPS Compensation Committee) after a comparative analysis of base salaries for similar positions among the Compensation Peer Group. When determining base salaries, the RemCo (or, prior to the DPS Merger, the DPS Compensation Committee) considers external market conditions in addition to total direct compensation targets and personal performance. In fiscal 2018, none of the NEOs received an increase to base salary. Each NEO’s base salary for fiscal 2018 was as follows:
The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 2 and 3.ForAgainstAbstain
NEO2.  Base Salary
Robert J. GamgortTo approve an advisory resolution regarding Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.’s executive compensation.  $1,500,000
Larry D. Young  $1,150,000
Ozan Dokmecioglu  $800,000
Martin M. Ellen  $624,000
Rodger L. Collins
3.  $627,000
James L. BaldwinTo ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2022.  $496,500
James J. Johnston  $627,000
James Trebilcock  $519,000
NOTE: Such other business as may properly come before the annual meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Annual Incentive Compensation
In fiscal 2018, the Company maintained both legacy annual cash incentive programs for KGM (the “KGM 2018 STIP”) and the DPS Management Incentive Plan (the “DPS 2018 MIP”) for their respective legacy employees. As

Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a result,corporation or partnership, please sign in fiscal 2018 Messrs. Gamgort and Dokmecioglu received annual incentive plan payments under the KGM 2018 STIP, and Messrs. Young, Ellen, Johnston, Baldwin, Collins and Trebilcock received annual incentive plan payments under the DPS 2018 MIP. The performance metrics for each of these plans were based on the legacy company’s business and the payout levels were based on each legacy company’s respective performance in 2018.

Below is a summary of each NEO’s respective annual incentive program in 2018:
KGM 2018 STIP:
Plan Design
KGM 2018 STIP period ran from October 2017 to September 2018 and was based on legacy-KGM performance compared to the prior fiscal year for three metrics: Pod Volume Growth; Profit (measured as earnings before interest and taxes (“EBIT”)); and Net Working Capital. In December 2017, award targets were assignedfull corporate or partnership name by the Maple Compensation Committee to each of Messrs. Gamgort and Dokmecioglu and the following corporate performance award levels were determined for each metric: “Unacceptable,” “Marginal,” “Acceptable,” “Good” (Target), “Very Good,” and “Excellent.” If performance was at or below the Unacceptable level for the profit metric, the entire bonus payout would be zero. Performance results for each metric were multiplied together to determine the final payout.
authorized officer.

        
KGM 2018 STIP Metric Category(1)
Target as % of Base SalaryPayout OpportunityGrowth (Pod Vol.)Profit (EBIT)Net Working Capital
NEO  Goal at "Good" Goal at "Good"Goal at "Good"
Robert Gamgort125%0%-310%5.0% Growth6.0% Growth150 bps
Ozan Dokmecioglu80%0%-310%
(1)All goals are based on growth / improvement over previous fiscal year.


Evaluation and Payment
Performance was measured against the established collective targets, which had been adjusted to eliminate the effect of changes in accounting principles, impairment of intangibles, the impact of discontinued operations, acquisition expenses, nonrecurring income/expenses and the impact of foreign currency rate fluctuations.
  KGM 2018 STIP Payout Multiple
Metric Unacceptable Marginal Acceptable Good Very Good Excellent
Growth 0.70 0.80 0.90 1.00 1.28 1.57
Profit 0.00 0.33 0.67 1.00 1.28 1.57
Net Working Capital 0.30 0.53 0.77 1.00 1.13 1.26
KGM 2018 STIP awards were calculated and paid in December 2018 after the end of the historical KGM fiscal year, in a single payment (net of any taxes withheld). Performance results were converted to “payout multipliers” (interpolating between each award level, as appropriate) for each metric, and then multiplied together to determine the final payout multiplier of 1.09.
    KGM 2018 STIP Metric Category    
  Target as % of Base Salary Growth (Pod Vol.) Profit (EBIT) Net Working Capital Total Payout Multiplier KGM 2018 STIP Total Payout ($)
NEO  Result (Good) Result (Acceptable) Result (Excellent) 
Robert Gamgort 125% 6.3% Growth (Payout multiplier: 1.19) 4.4% Growth (Payout multiplier: 0.73) 900 bps (Payout multiplier: 1.26) 1.09 $2,043,750
Ozan Dokmecioglu 80%  1.09 $697,600
Legacy-KGM 2018 Calendar Fourth Quarter STIP Bonus
In order to transition the legacy-KGM fiscal year to January 1 to December 31, a stand-alone calendar fourth quarter bonus was established by the RemCo in September 2018 for all eligible employees at legacy-KGM (the “KGM Q4 STIP”). This standalone calendar fourth quarter program was based on legacy-KGM’s corporate performance for all employees, including Messrs. Gamgort and Dokmecioglu, for the period from October 2018 through the end of calendar 2018. Plan design and evaluation of performance relative to goals for the KGM Q4 STIP was an identical process to the KGM 2018 STIP.
Target STIP awards for each of Messrs. Gamgort and Dokmecioglu for this fourth quarter bonus were calculated as the same percentage of such NEO’s base salary as the KGM 2018 STIP award, pro-rated at 25%.
Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date   KGM Q4 STIP Metric Category
Signature (Joint Owners) AnnualizedDate  PayoutGrowth (Pod Vol.)Profit (EBIT)Net Working Capital
NEO
Target as %
of Base Salary
OpportunityGoal at "Good"Goal at "Good"Goal at "Good"
Robert Gamgort125%0%-310% 6% Growth6% Growth420 bps
Ozan Dokmecioglu80%0%-310%

0000565291_1     R1.0.0.24


Performance results were converted to “payout multipliers” (interpolating between each award level, as appropriate) for each metric, and then multiplied together to determine

Important Notice Regarding the final payout. The KGM Q4 STIP awards were calculated and paid after the endAvailability of the quarter in March 2019 in a single payment (net of any taxes withheld).

    KGM Q4 STIP Metric Category    
  Annualized Growth (Pod Vol.) Profit (EBIT) Net Working Capital    
NEO Target % of Base Result (Good) Result (Acceptable) Result (Excellent) Total Payout Multiplier KGM Q4 STIP Total Payout ($)
Robert Gamgort 125% 8.6% Growth (Payout multiplier: 1.57) 
11.0% Growth (Payout
multiplier: 1.57) 
 
524 bps
(Payout
multiplier: 1.26) 
 3.1 $1,453,125
Ozan Dokmecioglu 80%  3.1 $496,000


DPS 2018 MIP:
Plan Design
In accordance with the merger agreement governing the DPS Merger, the DPS 2018 MIP payout was bifurcated into two segments:
The first segment, covering the pre-merger portion of the year (January 1, 2018 through July 8, 2018), represented a pro-rata payout at the greater of target or actual performanceProxy Materials for the pre-merger period.
Annual Meeting: The second segment, covering the post-merger portion of the year (July 9, 2018 through December 31, 2018), represented a pro-rata payout based on actual performance for the full fiscal year 2018 performance. Payout for both segments was madeAnnual Report, Notice & Proxy Statement are available at the same time in March 2019 following the end of the fiscal year.
Performance payouts for both segments of the DPS 2018 MIP were based on the same metrics: Consolidated Net Sales and Consolidated Income from Operations. For Messrs. Collins and Johnston an additional metric of their respective business unit segment’s Standard Operating Profit also applied.
      DPS 2018 MIP Plan Metrics
NEO 
 Target as % of Base Salary Payout Opportunity  Consolidated Net Sales  Consolidated Income from Operations Business Segment Standard Operating Profit
James Baldwin 70% 0-200% 40% 60% N/A
Rodger Collins 85% 0-200% 40% 30% 30%
James Trebilcock 75% 0-200% 40% 60% N/A
Larry Young 150% 0-200% 40% 60% N/A
Martin Ellen 90% 0-200% 40% 60% N/A
James Johnston 85% 0-200% 40% 30% 30%
    DPS 2018 MIP Pre-Merger Plan Metrics    
NEO Target as % of Base Salary Consolidated Net Sales Consolidated Income from Operations Business Segment Standard Operating Profit Pre-Merger Payout Percent FY 2018 Pre-Merger Pro-rata Payout ($)
James Baldwin 70% 159.2% 104.7% N/A 126.45% 
$227,562
Rodger Collins 85% 159.2% 104.7% 0% 
100%(1)
 
$275,962(2)

James Trebilcock 75% 159.2%  104.7% N/A 126.45% 
$254,865(2)

Larry Young 150% 159.2%  104.7% N/A 126.45% 
$1,129,476(3)

Martin Ellen 90% 159.2%  104.7% N/A 126.45% 
$367,718(3)

James Johnston 85% 159.2%  104.7% 200% 155.06% 
$427,899
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(1)Actual pre-merger MIP performance for Mr. Collins was 95.06%; however, the merger agreement governing the DPS Merger stipulated that the payout for the pre-merger segment of the DPS 2018 MIP would be no less than 100% target payout.
(2)Both Mr. Collins and Mr. Trebilcock were previously eligible for the DPS Change in Control Plan and received a cash payout under such plan equal to $3,211,271 and $2,056,927, respectively, which included the payout of the pre-merger segment 2018 MIP at 100% target payout. Mr. Trebilcock was paid the balance of the pre-DPS Merger pro-rata DPS 2018 MIP calculated as the difference between the 126.45% actual payout and the 100% target payout.
(3)Mr. Young and Mr. Ellen were paid out the pre-DPS Merger DPS 2018 MIP earned, prorated up to their last day worked, July 8, 2018.
    DPS 2018 MIP Post-Merger Plan Metrics    
NEO Target % of Base Consolidated Net Sales Consolidated Income from Operations Business Segment Standard Operating Profit Post-Merger Payout Percent FY 2018 Post-Merger Pro-rata Payout ($)
James Baldwin 70% 107.5% 93.0% N/A 98.83% $165,628
Rodger Collins 85% 107.5% 93.0% 0.0% 70.92% $182,259
James Trebilcock 75% 107.5% 93.0% N/A 98.83% $185,501
James Johnston (1)
 85% 107.5% 93.0% 157.6% 118.19% $32,818
(1)Mr. Johnston’s post-DPS Merger payout was prorated from July 9, 2018 to his last day worked, July 27, 2018.


Long-Term Incentive Compensation Awards
We strongly believe in encouraging stock ownership by our NEOs. We have designed certain equity compensation programs to promote stock ownership and investment in the Company in order to align the interests of our executives with those of our stockholders.
We believe equity awards further focus our executives on increasing stockholder value. Generally, annual equity awards under the LTIP and Matching RSUs are subject to five-year cliff vesting tied to continued employment with the Company. Matching RSUs under Elite are also subject to ownership of a minimum amount of KDP shares of Common Stock by the end of the applicable investment period. Our equity compensation programs encourage retention of and long-term focus by our NEOs by giving them an ownership stake in our future growth and financial success. The programs also provide a direct link between the interests of our stockholders and our NEOs and other eligible leadership employees.
Annual Equity Awards under the LTIP
Awards under the LTIP recognize strong collective financial performance and align each NEO’s interests with our organizational goals and our stockholders’ long-term financial interests. Annual long-term equity awards granted under the LTIP are generally awarded in March; however due to the timing of the DPS Merger announcement, the awards for legacy-KGM executives were delayed until the closing of the DPS Merger and were subsequently granted in the form of RSUs in August 2018. In light of the delayed grant of the awards to legacy-KGM executives and the nature of the cliff-vesting conditions, the RemCo approved reducing the vesting period of the LTIP grants made in August 2018 by a corresponding 5 months. As a result, the LTIP award granted to Mr. Dokmecioglu in the form of 111,159 RSUs in August 2018 has a 4 year and 7 month cliff-vesting period. Mr. Gamgort did not receive an annual LTIP grant following the closing of the DPS Merger.
Separately, pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement governing the DPS Merger, annual LTIP awards for legacy-DPS executives were granted in March 2018, according to the historical schedule and target amounts set forth below.
NEORSUs (#)
Larry D. Young51,617
Martin M. Ellen13,420
Rodger L. Collins12,474
James L. Baldwin9,033
James J. Johnston12,474
James Trebilcock9,033— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — 

Accordingly, Messrs. Baldwin, Collins, Ellen, Johnston, Trebilcock and Young were granted annual LTIP awards in March 2018. These awards were granted as 100% time-based RSUs. However, pursuant to the terms

KEURIG DR PEPPER INC.

Annual Meeting of the DPS Merger these RSUs were fully accelerated and converted to shares of KDP Common Stock on a one-for-one basis, along with a special cash dividend of $103.75 per share.

Please see “—Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table” for additional information on our long-term equity program and actual awards granted in fiscal 2018.
Investment Programs
The primary way we encourage stock ownershipStockholders

June 9, 2022 10:00 AM ET

This proxy is solicited by our NEOs and executives is through participation in Elite. Under Elite, certain executives commit to a certain level of investment (within a minimum and maximum range) in KDP Common Stock (the “Commitment Amount”) according to their job level and business scope (the “Investment Target Range”). The opportunity to participate in Elite is a one-time opportunity upon achieving eligibility, although participants who experience a promotion into a higher level of the Elite program are given an opportunity to increase their investment to the level commensurate with their new title. For each share of KDP Common Stock purchased (each, an “Elite Share”) up to the Commitment Amount, the executive receives one Matching RSU, which award is made upon the executive’s entry into Elite and is subject to a five-year cliff vesting period subject to the executive’s ongoing employment with the Company and the ongoing ownership of the Commitment Amount. Each executive has a one-year investment period (the “Investment Period”) to purchase Elite Shares to meet his or her Commitment Amount. At the end of the Investment Period, if the executive has purchased Elite Shares equivalent to his or her Commitment Amount, and continues to hold the Elite Shares for the remainder of the vesting period, the executive will retain (and is eligible to vest in), the full number of Matching RSUs awarded. However, if the executive has achieved less than the minimum of his or her Investment Target Range, all Matching RSUs are immediately cancelled and forfeited. If the executive has achieved at least the minimum of his or her Investment Target Range but less than their Commitment Amount, Matching RSUs are reduced to match the actual investment level with the balance immediately cancelled and forfeited.



In 2018, Messrs Baldwin and Trebilcock were offered the opportunity and participated in Elite, each receiving a grant of Matching RSUs with a value of $3,000,000 to match their Commitment Amount. Messrs. Gamgort and Dokmecioglu participated in Elite prior to the DPS Merger as part of the KGM investment program and were therefore not eligible to participate again. Mr. Collins was also not eligible to participate in Elite based on the compensation arrangements entered into with Mr. Collins at the time of the DPS Merger, as more fully described in this Proxy Statement below under Additional Payments for Certain NEOs.
When benchmarking the value of long-term incentive awards as part of our executives’ compensation, the RemCo takes into account twenty percent (20%) of the Matching RSUs awarded to such executive.
Certain Payments Made to NEOs Upon the Closing of the DPS Merger
DPS Equity Conversions
At the time of the closing of the DPS Merger and in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, all unvested and outstanding stock awards were converted as follows:
Performance Share Units (PSUs) were fully accelerated at target and converted to shares of KDP Common Stock on a one-for-one basis along with a special cash dividend of $103.75 per share;
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) were fully accelerated and converted to shares of KDP Common Stock on a one-for-one basis, along with a special cash dividend of $103.75 per share; and
In general, stock options were fully accelerated and cashed out for $103.75 less the strike price of each option, and converted to shares of KDP Common Stock on a one-for-one basis. However, holders of stock options who elected not to have their stock options accelerated had the strike price and the number of options adjusted to preserve the economic value of the option on the closing date.
Refer to the Option Exercises and Stock Award Vesting table for further details.
Additional payments for certain NEOs
At the time of the closing of the DPS Merger, Mr. Trebilcock and Mr. Collins each received a one-time cash payment (less applicable withholding) of $2,056,927, and $3,211,271, respectively, in exchange for forfeiting rights to future payments under DPS severance and change in control plans which existed at the time of the DPS Merger, and in lieu of future severance payments by KDP.
Other Benefits and Perquisites
General
Our NEOs participate in the same benefit plans generally available to our employees. These benefit plans include health insurance, life insurance and disability coverage. NEOs receive the same coverage as the rest of our employees, with the exception of legacy-DPS NEOs who were eligible for executive disability coverage.
Perquisites
We provide NEOs with reasonable perquisites on an individual basis. For Legacy-DPS NEOs, these perquisites generally included car allowance, service allowance, executive disability, and executive physicals. Neither Mr. Gamgort nor Mr. Dokmecioglu received these perquisites in fiscal 2018 and they have been discontinued for all executives beginning in 2019. Perquisites generally do not make up a significant part of each NEO’s total compensation. All perquisites with an aggregate value of at least $10,000 received by an NEO are detailed in the footnotes to the Summary Compensation Table.
Retirement Plans
We provide retirement benefits to our NEOs through our legacy retirement plans, as further described in “--Pensions.”
Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment
The employment agreements with our NEOs and our compensation plans provide for certain payments and incremental benefits if an NEO’s employment is terminated under certain circumstances. There are no tax gross-ups provided in connection with these payments or incremental benefits. These payments and incremental benefits are discussed in “—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control.”


Tax and Accounting Implications
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), imposes an annual limit of $1 million per person on the corporate tax deduction for compensation paid by a company to certain of its executive officers. Until 2018, the limit did not apply to a company’s chief financial officer, or to certain performance-based compensation that met specific exemption requirements. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, signed into law in December 2017 (“Tax Reform Act”), substantially modified Section 162(m) of the Code by, among other things, applying the $1 million limit on deductibility to chief financial officers and eliminating the exemption for performance-based compensation. As a result, beginning in 2018, compensation paid to each of our NEOs in excess of $1 million will generally be nondeductible, whether or not it is performance-based.
Prior to the Tax Reform Act, the DPS Compensation Committee had generally intended most components of executive compensation to qualify as tax deductible for federal income tax purposes, to the extent practicable in particular hiring and compensation decisions, and consistent with the objectives and underlying philosophy of its executive compensation program. The RemCo intends to continue to maintain flexibility and the ability to pay competitive compensation by not requiring all compensation to be deductible. The Tax Reform Act also includes a transition rule under which the changes to Section 162(m) of the Code described above will not apply to compensation payable pursuant to a written binding contract that was in effect on November 2, 2017 and is not subsequently materially modified. To the extent applicable to our existing contracts and awards, the RemCo may choose to avail itself of the transition rule.


REPORT OF THE REMUNERATION AND NOMINATION COMMITTEE
In fulfilling its responsibilities, the RemCo reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis set forth in this Proxy Statement.
In reliance on the review and discussions referred to above, the RemCo recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (through incorporation by reference to this Proxy Statement).
The Remuneration and Nomination Committee
Peter Harf, Chair
Genevieve Hovde
Paul Michaels
Dirk Van de Put
Historical Executive Compensation Information
The executive compensation disclosure contained in this section reflects compensation information for 2018 for our NEOs.


Summary Compensation Table 
The following table sets forth information regarding the compensation earned by our NEOs in fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016.
Name and
Principal Position
 Year Salary Bonus 
Stock
Awards
(1)
 
Option Award(2)
 
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
(3)
 
Change In
Pension Value
And
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
(4)
 
All Other
Compensation
(5)
 Total
Robert J. Gamgort(6)   
President & CEO
 2018 $721,154
 $
 $
 $
 $3,496,875
 $
 $29,403
 $4,247,432
Larry D. Young(7)   
Former President & CEO
 2018 623,654
 
 6,159,966
 
 1,129,476
 2,525
 25,566,037
 33,481,658
 2017 1,150,000
 
 4,922,265
 1,199,997
 1,126,598
 37,356
 484,931
 8,921,147
 2016 1,132,692
 
 4,799,884
 1,199,993
 2,314,605
 16,052
 468,404
 9,931,631
Ozan Dokmecioglu(8)    
Chief Financial Officer
 2018 384,615
 
 2,600,009
 
 1,193,600
 
 4,195
 4,182,419
Martin M. Ellen(7   
Former Chief Financial Officer
 2018 338,400
 
 1,559,941
 
 367,718
 
 7,614,507
 9,880,566
 2017 620,635
 
 1,279,761
 311,998
 366,781
 
 135,121
 2,714,296
 2016 604,808
 
 1,223,058
 305,793
 738,460
 
 146,618
 3,018,737
Rodger L. Collins
Pres. Direct Store Delivery
 2018 627,000
   1,449,978
 
 458,221
 
 7,037,879
 9,573,078
 2017 622,731
 
 1,189,522
 289,991
 264,610
 
 128,079
 2,494,933
 2016 604,462
 
 1,159,960
 290,000
 663,134
 
 128,192
 2,845,747
James L. Baldwin(9)     
Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Secretary
 2018 496,500
 
 4,197,392
 
 393,190
 
 2,968,650
 8,055,732
James J. Johnston(7)    
Former Pres. Beverage
Concentrates & Latin America Beverages
 2018 373,789
 
 1,449,978
 
 460,717
 
 7,071,966
 9,356,450
 2017 622,019
 
 1,189,522
 289,991
 498,629
 93,897
 210,860
 2,904,918
 2016 604,462
 
 1,159,960
 290,000
 714,546
 43,553
 201,500
 3,014,020
James Trebilcock(10)   
Chief Concentrate and International Officer
 2018 519,000
 
 4,197,392
 
 440,366
 
 4,736,005
 9,892,763

(1)The amounts reported in the Stock Awards column reflect the grant date fair value associated with awards of RSUs to each of the NEOs (amounts do not include any RSUs that have been paid as dividend equivalents subsequent to the date of the award). Any PSUs granted and outstanding prior to the DPS Merger vested at closing at target performance levels or at such higher performance levels as was required pursuant to the applicable terms of a DPS benefit plan, and were settled in exchange for (i) a number of shares of KDP Common Stock equal to the number of shares underlying such PSU and (ii) an amount in cash equal to the number of shares underlying such PSU multiplied by $103.75, the special cash dividend per share amount. Any RSUs granted and outstanding prior to the DPS Merger were settled at closing in exchange for (i) a number of shares of KDP Common Stock equal to the number of shares underlying such RSU, and (ii) an amount in cash equal to the number of shares underlying such RSU multiplied by $103.75, the special cash dividend per share amount. RSUs granted following the closing of the DPS Merger vest on the fifth anniversary of the date of grant. For Messrs. Baldwin and Trebilcock, the amounts reported in the Stock Awards column include the grant date fair value of the Matching RSUs which such NEOs received on September 13, 2018 pursuant to the Elite program. Awards pursuant to the Elite program were issued, in each case, pursuant to the NEO attaining a minimum ownership level in shares of KDP Common Stock by September 5, 2019. Assumptions used to calculate these amounts (disregarding forfeiture assumptions) are included in Note 10 “Stock-Based Compensation,” to our Consolidated Financial Statements, which are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (the “2018 Form 10-K”). For further information on the stock awards granted in fiscal year 2018, see “—Grants of Plan-Based Awards” beginning on page 43.
(2)The amounts reported in the Option Awards column represent the grant date fair value associated with option grants to each of the NEOs. Even though the awards may be forfeited, the amounts do not reflect this contingency. Assumptions used to calculate these amounts (disregarding forfeiture assumptions) are included in Note 10 “Stock-Based Compensation” to our Consolidated Financial Statements, which are included in our 2018 Form 10-K. No stock option grants were awarded in fiscal year 2018.
(3)The amounts reported in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column reflect the amounts earned by (i) each of Messrs. Young, Ellen, Collins, Baldwin, Johnston, and Trebilcock under the DPS 2018 MIP, and (ii) each of Messrs. Gamgort and Dokmecioglu, under the KGM 2018 STIP and KGM Q4 2018 STIP. In fiscal year 2018, the amount shown for each of Messrs. Gamgort and Dokmecioglu reflects five quarters, as a result of the fiscal year for KGM’s parent company, Maple, changing following the DPS Merger from the last Saturday in September to the last Saturday of December.
(4)The amounts reported in the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings column represent an estimate of the aggregate annual change in the actuarial present value of accumulated benefits under the Personal Pension Account Plan and the Pension Equalization Plan (as applicable), as described in more detail in “ — Pension Benefits” beginning on page 46. The change in the actuarial present value of the accumulated benefits under the plans was determined in accordance with GAAP. Assumptions used to calculate these amounts are included in Note 7 “Employee Benefit Plans” to our Consolidated Financial Statements, which are included in our 2018 Form 10-K. The change in the actuarial present value of pension benefits is shown as $0 when negative. The actual change for applicable participants is as follows: $(8,472) for Mr. Johnston; $(21,963) for Mr. Baldwin; and $(116,242) for Mr. Trebilcock.


(5)Amounts reported in the All Other Compensation column reflect other compensation for each NEO, including, but not limited to, (i) the incremental cost to the Company of all perquisites and other personal benefits, (ii) the amount of any tax reimbursements, (iii) the amounts contributed by the Company to the tax-qualified defined contribution plans and non-tax qualified contribution plans and (iv) the amount of any insurance premiums paid by the Company. See the table below under “All Other Compensation” for additional details around these amounts.
(6)Mr. Gamgort became President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company on July 9, 2018 following the DPS Merger. As Mr. Gamgort was not an NEO in 2017 or 2016, in accordance with SEC disclosure requirements, Mr. Gamgort’s compensation disclosure is provided only for the year in which he was a NEO. Amounts reported for Mr. Gamgort reflect compensation paid to him by the Company during the portion of 2018 for which he was employed by the Company.
(7)Messrs. Young and Ellen ceased employment with the Company on July 9, 2018, and Mr. Johnston ceased employment with the Company on July 27, 2018, in each case in connection with the closing of the DPS Merger. Mr. Young remained on the Board following the closing of the DPS Merger as a non-executive director. Amounts reported for each Messrs. Young, Ellen, and Johnston reflect compensation paid to each by the Company during the portion of 2018 for which each was employed by the Company.
(8)Mr. Dokmecioglu became Chief Financial Officer of the Company on July 9, 2018 following the DPS Merger. As Mr. Dokmecioglu was not an NEO in 2017 or 2016, in accordance with the SEC disclosure requirements, Mr. Dokmecioglu’s compensation disclosure is provided only for the year in which he was a NEO. Amounts reported for Mr. Dokmecioglu reflect compensation paid to him by the Company during the portion of 2018 for which he was employed by the Company.
(9)Mr. Baldwin was not an NEO in 2017 or 2016. In accordance with the SEC disclosure requirements, Mr. Baldwin’s compensation disclosure is provided only for the year in which he was a NEO.
(10)Mr. Trebilcock was not an NEO in 2017 or 2016. In accordance with the SEC disclosure requirements, Mr. Trebilcock’s compensation disclosure is provided only for the year in which he was a NEO.
“All Other Compensation” for fiscal year 2018 is summarized as follows:
Name 
Automobile
Allowance
(a)
 Service
Allowance
 
Corporate
Aircraft
(b)
 
Executive
Physicals
(c)
 
Relocation Assistance(d)
 
Disability
Income
Premiums
(e)
 
Company Contributions(f)
 
CIC Lump Sum Payout(g)
 
CIC Severance Lump Sum in Lieu of Future Payouts(h)
 
Merger Cash Payout(i)
Robert J. Gamgort $
 $
 $29,403
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
Larry D. Young 20,250
 12,000
 51,299
 
 
 7,421
 338,269
 8,625,000
 
 16,511,798
Ozan Dokmecioglu 
 
 
 
 4,195
 
 
 
 
 
Martin M. Ellen 18,000
 10,000
 
 3,698
 
 10,460
 48,582
 3,260,400
 
 4,263,367
Rodger L. Collins 28,600
 19,000
 521
 3,711
 
 8,608
 51,836
 
 2,935,305
 3,990,297
James L. Baldwin 24,700
 14,000
 
 
 
 4,496
 83,643
 
 
 2,841,810
James J. Johnston 17,600
 9,500
 
 
 
 
 154,694
 2,899,875
 
 3,990,297
James Trebilcock 24,700
 14,000
 
 3,293
 
 3,023
 88,866
 
 1,855,370
 2,746,753

(a)Legacy-DPS NEOs received an automobile allowance in 2018. Automobile allowances were phased out in 2019.
(b)For SEC purposes, the cost of personal use of a corporate aircraft is calculated based on the aggregate incremental cost to the Company. We calculated the aggregate incremental cost using estimated variable costs of operating the aircraft. Fixed costs which do not change based on usage, such as pilot salaries, depreciation of aircraft and cost of maintenance are excluded.
(c)Messrs. Ellen, Collins and Trebilcock received executive physicals in 2018. Executive physicals ceased to be offered in 2019.
(d)Represents a payment made to Mr. Dokmecioglu in 2018 pursuant the terms of his employment agreement to assist with his 2016 relocation to Burlington, MA, where Company headquarters are based.
(e)Includes the gross-up for taxes to be paid by the NEO on the premium that was included in the NEO’s income.
(f)The amounts reported in the Company Contributions column represent our contributions to the tax-qualified defined contribution plans and non-tax qualified defined contribution plans. The contributions to the tax qualified defined contribution plans for 2018 are as follows: $0 for Mr. Gamgort; $37,078 for Mr. Young; $0 for Mr. Dokmecioglu; $29,182 for Mr. Ellen; $37,078 for Mr. Baldwin; $19,400 for Mr. Collins; $37,078 for Mr. Johnston; $37,077 for Mr. Trebilcock. The contributions to the non-tax qualified defined contributions plans for 2018 are as follows: $301,191 for Mr. Young, $29,183 for Mr. Ellen; $46,566 for Mr. Baldwin; $32,436 for Mr. Collins; $117,616 for Mr. Johnson; $51,788 for Mr. Trebilcock.
(g)The amounts set forth in this column comprise cash compensation paid to our NEOs in connection with the DPS Merger and a simultaneous termination of employment, consisting of lump-sum cash severance payments equal to the following multiples of each NEO's total base salary and target annual bonus: Mr. Young, 3.0x; Mr. Ellen, 2.75x; and Mr. Johnston 2.5x.
(h)At the time of the closing of the DPS Merger, Mr. Trebilcock and Mr. Collins each received a one-time cash payment (less applicable withholding) of $1,855,370, and $2,935,305, respectively, in exchange for forfeiting rights to future payments under DPS severance and change in control plans which existed at the time of the DPS Merger, and in lieu of future severance payments by KDP. These amounts were in addition to the DPS 2018 MIP payments made to Mr. Trebilcock and Mr. Collins for the pre-DPS Merger closing period.
(i)The amounts set forth in this column comprise the aggregate value of the cash which the NEOs received with respect to the acceleration upon the DPS Merger of the vesting of PSUs, RSUs and stock options as provided in the merger agreement.


Grants of Plan-Based Awards 
The following table sets forth information regarding equity plan awards and non-equity incentive plan awards by us to our NEOs in fiscal year 2018. For a discussion of the material terms of these awards, see "Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Long-Term Incentive Compensation Awards" beginning on page 37 and "Summary Compensation Table" beginning on page 41.
Name Grant
Date
 
Estimated Future Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards
(1)
 
All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units
(#)
(2)
 Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards ($)
 Threshold
($)
 Target
($)
 Maximum
($)
 
Robert J. Gamgort   $
 $2,343,750
 $7,265,625
    
Larry Young   1,101,164
 1,725,000
 3,450,000
    
  3/2/2018       51,617
 $5,999,960
  9/13/2018       6,631
 160,006
Ozan Dokmecioglu   
 800,000
 2,480,000
    
  8/24/2018       111,159
 2,600,009
Martin Ellen   358,501
 561,600
 1,123,200
    
  3/2/2018       13,420
 1,559,941
James L. Baldwin   221,861
 347,550
 695,100
    
  3/2/2018       9,033
 1,049,996
  9/13/2018       130,435
 3,147,397
Rodger Collins   340,212
 532,950
 1,065,900
    
  3/2/2018       12,474
 1,449,978
James Johnston   340,212
 532,950
 1,065,900
    
  3/2/2018       12,474
 1,449,978
James Trebilcock   248,480
 389,250
 778,500
    
  3/2/2018       9,033
 1,049,996
  9/13/2018       130,435
 3,147,397

(1)The amounts reported in the Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards column represent the potential payouts of annual cash incentive awards granted to our NEOs in fiscal year 2018 under the KGM STIP, for Messrs. Gamgort and Dokmecioglu, and the DPS MIP, for Messrs. Young, Ellen, Baldwin, Collins, Johnston, and Trebilcock, in each case subject to the achievement of certain performance measures. The actual amount of the awards made to the NEOs and paid in cash is included in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table.
(2)Represents the number of shares subject to RSU awards made in fiscal year 2018 under the Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan of 2009. The RSU awards granted on March 2, 2018 were scheduled to vest three years from the grant date; however, upon the closing of the DPS Merger these RSUs were accelerated and vested in exchange for one share of KDP common stock and the special cash dividend of $103.75. The RSU awards granted on August 24, 2018 to Mr. Dokmecioglu vest four years and seven months from the grant date, and the Elite Matching RSU awards granted on September 13, 2018 to Messrs. Baldwin and Trebilcock vest five years from the grant date.


Outstanding Equity Awards 
The following table sets forth information regarding exercisable and unexercisable stock options and vested and unvested equity awards held by each NEO as of December 31, 2018. All such awards relate to shares of our common stock.
  Stock Awards
Name Grant Date Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) 
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)(1)
Robert J. Gamgort 9/15/2016 
2,409,995(2)

 $61,792,272
  9/15/2016 
530,199(2)

 13,594,302
  9/15/2016 
530,199(2)

 13,594,302
  7/2/2018 
248,808(3)

 6,379,437
  7/2/2018 
248,808(3)

 6,379,437
Larry Young(4)   
 9/13/2018 6,631
 170,019
Ozan Dokmecioglu 9/15/2016 
1,060,398(2)

 27,188,605
  9/15/2016 
250,640(2)

 6,426,410
  9/15/2016 
250,640(2)

 6,426,410
  8/24/2018 
111,159(5)

 2,850,117
Marty Ellen(6)   
  
 
James Baldwin 9/13/2018 130,435
 3,344,353
Roger Collins(6)   
  
 
James Johnston(6)   
  
 
James Trebilcock 9/13/2018 130,435
 3,344,353

(1)Market value is determined by multiplying the total number of shares or other rights awarded under an equity incentive plan that have not vested times $25.64, the closing price of a share of our common stock on the NYSE on December 31, 2018.
(2)Represents RSUs which vest on the four year and six month anniversary of the date of grant.
(3)Represents RSUs which vest on the fifth anniversary of the grant date.
(4)Mr. Young received a grant of RSUs in in connection with his service on our Board as a non-employee director following the closing of the DPS Merger, as disclosed in “—Director Compensation” beginning on page 20.
(5)Represents RSUs granted to Mr. Dokmecioglu which vest on the four year and seven month anniversary of the date of grant.
(6)None of Messrs. Collins, Ellen or Johnston has any outstanding stock awards as of December 31, 2018.
Options Exercised and Stock Vested 
The following table sets forth information regarding stock options that were exercised by our NEOs and stock awards made to our NEOs that have vested during fiscal year 2018. This includes the following treatment based on the merger agreement governing the DPS Merger that was applied to all outstanding equity awards. No equity awards of Maple Parent Holdings Corp., the equity owned by legacy-employees of KGM prior to the DPS Merger, were vested as a result of the merger, or at any other time during 2018. At the closing of the DPS Merger, each outstanding Maple RSU was converted to 96.4 RSUs, with the same terms and conditions as were applicable under such Maple RSU immediately prior to the effective time, including the vesting schedule.
As of immediately prior to the effective time, each outstanding legacy-DPS stock option, RSU and PSU vested, with PSUs vesting at target performance levels or at such higher performance levels as may be required pursuant to the applicable terms of a DPS benefit plan. Prior to the record date for the special cash dividend, the Board of DPS caused the following treatment to apply as of the effective time (less applicable tax withholding):
Each outstanding stock option was converted into a right of the holder of such stock option to receive (i) a number of shares of KDP Common Stock equal to the number of shares underlying such stock optionDirectors

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The stockholder(s) hereby appoint(s) Robert Gamgort, Anthony Shoemaker, and (ii) an amount in cash equal to the number of shares underlying such stock option multiplied by the difference between the special cash dividend per share amount ($103.75) and the exercise price per share of such stock option as of immediately prior to the record date for the special cash dividend. If the Company was unable to obtain option holder consent to the stock option treatment described above, then the DPS Board adjusted each stock option in a manner that preserved its intrinsic value after taking into account the special cash dividend.



Each outstanding RSU was settled in exchange for (i) a number of shares of KDP Common Stock equal to the number of shares underlying such RSU, and (ii) an amount in cash equal to the number of shares underlying such RSU multiplied by $103.75, the special cash dividend per share amount. 
Each outstanding PSU (with PSUs vesting at target performance levels or at such higher performance levels as may be required pursuant to the applicable terms of a DPS benefit plan) were settled in exchange for (i) a number of shares of KDP Common Stock equal to the number of shares underlying such PSU and (ii) an amount in cash equal to the number of shares underlying such PSU multiplied by $103.75, the special cash dividend per share amount.
  Option Awards Stock Awards
Name Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise
(#)
 Value Realized on Exercise
($)
 
Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting
(#)
(1)
 
Value Realized
on Vesting
($)
(2)
Robert J. Gamgort 
 $
 
 $
Larry Young 130,151
 5,786,513
 24,409
 2,837,302
  120,889
 3,829,764
 20,632
 410,783
  120,616
 3,502,689
 19,599
 390,216
      51,854
 1,032,612
      33,054
 3,832,942
      34,387
 684,645
      32,666
 650,380
Ozan Dokmecioglu 
 
 
 
Martin Ellen 29,224
 2,103,544
 5,924
 688,606
  31,588
 1,404,402
 5,256
 104,647
  30,806
 975,934
 5,095
 101,441
  31,360
 910,694
 13,484
 268,466
      8,022
 930,231
      8,762
 174,451
      8,492
 169,076
James Baldwin 6,876
 305,707
 3,868
 449,616
  20,148
 638,289
 3,438
 68,451
  21,107
 612,947
 3,429
 68,271
      9,076
 180,703
      5,238
 607,398
      5,730
 114,084
      5,716
 113,806
Rodger Collins 46,551
 3,350,741
 5,491
 638,274
  29,284
 1,301,967
 4,985
 99,251
  29,215
 925,531
 4,736
 94,294
  29,148
 846,458
 12,533
 249,532
      7,436
 862,279
      8,310
 165,452
      7,894
 157,170
James Johnston 46,551
 3,350,741
 5,491
 638,274
  29,284
 1,301,967
 4,985
 99,251
  29,215
 925,531
 4,736
 94,294
  29,148
 846,458
 12,533
 249,532
      7,436
 862,279
      8,310
 165,452
      7,894
 157,170
James Trebilcock 8,275
 595,635
 3,184
 370,108
  16,984
 755,109
 3,094
 61,602
  18,133
 574,453
 3,429
 68,271
  21,107
 612,947
 9,076
 180,703
      4,313
 500,135
      5,157
 102,676
      5,716
 113,806

(1)Represents the shares vested on the vesting date. Shares were withheld from issuance to cover taxes.
(2)Excludes the value of the special cash dividend of $103.75 per share, which is disclosed in the "All Other Compensation" column of the Summary Compensation Table.


Pension Benefits 
The following table sets forth information regarding pension benefits accrued by each NEO who participates in our defined benefit plans and supplemental contractual arrangements for 2018.
Name Plan Name 
Number of Years of Credited Service
(#)
(1)
 
Present Value of Accumulated Benefit
($)
(2)
 Payments During
Last Fiscal Year
($)
Larry Young Personal Pension Account Plan 2.67 $62,579
 $
  Pension Equalization Plan 2.67 461,170
 
James Baldwin Personal Pension Account Plan 11.81 333,398
 
  Pension Equalization Plan 11.81 375,293
 
James Johnston Personal Pension Account Plan 16.09 504,290
 
  Pension Equalization Plan 16.09 617,038
 
James Trebilcock Personal Pension Account Plan 21.46 1,088,875
 
  Pension Equalization Plan 21.46 947,476
 

(1)Pay and future service credits were frozen as of December 31, 2008 for our personal pension account plan (the “PPA Plan”) and our pension equalization plan (the “PEP”). For further information, see “—Personal Pension Account Plan (“PPA Plan”)” beginning on page 46 and “—Pension Equalization Plan (“PEP”)” on page 46. Each of Messrs. Young, Baldwin, Johnston and Trebilcock’s years of service with us prior to the date the PPA Plan and the PEP were frozen is the same as the number of years of credited service under each of the PPA Plan and the PEP.
(2)The actuarial present value of benefits accumulated under the respective plans is calculated in accordance with the assumptions included in Note 7 “Employee Benefit Plans,” to our audited Consolidated Financial Statements, which are included in our 2018 Form 10-K. These amounts assume that each NEO retires at age 65. The discount rate used to determine the present value of accumulated benefits is 4.25%. The present values assume no pre-retirement mortality and utilize the RP2014 healthy white collar male and female tables, with generational projection using Scale MP-2018.
Personal Pension Account Plan ("PPA Plan")
NEOs, other than Mr. Gamgort, Mr. Dokmecioglu, Mr. Ellen and Mr. Collins are provided with retirement benefits under the PPA Plan, a tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan covering full-time and part-time employees with at least one year of service who were actively employed by DPS (other than employees of a predecessor company) as of December 31, 2006. The PPA Plan was closed to employees who were hired after December 31, 2006. Further, as of December 31, 2008, all future pay and service credits to the PPA Plan have been frozen. However, the PPA Plan does provide a minimum annual interest credit on individual account balances of 5%.
Participants fully vest in their retirement benefits after three years of service or upon attaining age 65. Participants are also eligible for early retirement benefits if they separate from service on or after attaining age 55 with 10 years of service. Participants who leave the Company before they are fully vested in their retirement benefit forfeit their accrued benefit under the PPA Plan.
The Code places limitations on compensation and pension benefits for tax-qualified defined benefit plans such as the PPA Plan. We have established a non-qualified supplemental defined benefit pension program (our Pension Equalization Plan), as discussed below, to restore some of the pension benefits limited by the Code.
Pension Equalization Plan ("PEP")
We sponsor the PEP, an unfunded, non-tax qualified excess defined benefit plan covering key employees who were actively employed by DPS as of December 31, 2006 and whose base salary exceeded certain statutory limits imposed by the Code. As with the PPA Plan, the PEP was closed to employees who were hired after December 31, 2006 and as of December 31, 2008, all future pay and service credits to the PEP have been frozen. However, the PEP does provide a minimum annual interest credit on individual account balances of 5%.


The purpose of the PEP is to restore to PEP participants any PPA Plan benefits that are limited by statutory restrictions imposed by the Code that are taken into consideration when determining their PPA Plan benefits. Participants fully vest in their benefits under the PEP after three years of service. Participants who voluntarily resign from service before they are vested in their benefits under the PEP forfeit their unvested accrued benefit. Participants who are terminated without "cause" or resign for "good reason" are entitled to have their unvested accrued benefits under the PEP automatically vested.
In addition, pursuant to the terms of the executive employment agreements, if any NEO is terminated without "cause" or resigns for "good reason" and is not vested in his accrued benefit under the PPA Plan, such NEO will be entitled to have his accrued and unvested benefits under the PPA Plan paid under the PEP. As of December 31, 2009, all NEOs (other than Messrs. Gamgort, Dokmecioglu, Ellen and Collins who do not participate in the PPA Plan) have vested in their accrued benefits under the PPA Plan. Since Messrs. Gamgort, Dokmecioglu, Ellen and Collins are not participants in the PPA Plan, they receive no benefits under the PEP.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation 
Per the DPS Merger agreement, all employees of legacy-DPS were to be provided with employee benefits (other than base salary, cash bonus and other short term incentives, long term incentive awards and severance benefits which were to each remain no less favorable than prior to the merger for one year following the DPS Merger) through December 31, 2018 that are no less favorable in the aggregate to the employee than the benefits provided to such legacy-DPS employee immediately prior to the DPS Merger. The following deferred compensation benefits programs apply to legacy-DPS NEOs. Mr. Gamgort and Mr. Dokmecioglu were eligible to participate in a 401(k) plan only.
Qualified 401(k) Plans
For legacy DPS NEOs, the Savings Incentive Plan (“SIP”) is a tax-qualified 401(k) defined contribution plan, which permits participants to contribute up to 75% of their base salary in the SIP within certain statutory limitations under the Code and we match 100% of the first 4% of base salary, on a per paycheck basis, that is contributed to the SIP by a participant. Employees participating in the SIP are always fully vested in the amounts both they and the Company contribute to the plan. Participants self-direct the investment of their account balances among various mutual funds. In 2018, all of our NEOs participated in the SIP.
Also as part of the SIP, we offer an enhanced defined contribution component (the “EDC”) on a tax-qualified basis to the SIP plan account. The EDC provides a contribution equal to 3% of eligible compensation to individual accounts annually. EDC contributions are 100% vested after three years of service with the Company.
Mr. Gamgort and Mr. Dokmecioglu were eligible for, and participated in, a 401(k) program which provided a 100% company match on the first 1% of employee contributions, and 60% on the next 5% of employee contributions within certain statutory limitations under the Code.
The Supplemental Savings Plan (the “SSP”)
SSP is a nonqualified deferred compensation plan sponsored by the Company for our employees, and is a non-tax qualified defined contribution plan. The SSP is for legacy-DPS employees who are actively enrolled in the SIP and whose deferrals under the SIP are limited by Code compensation limitations. Employees may elect to defer up to 75% of their base salary over the Code compensation limit to the SSP, and we match 100% of the first 4% of base salary, on a per paycheck basis, that is contributed by these employees. Employees participating in the SSP are always fully vested in the amount they and the Company contribute to the plan. Participants self-direct the investment of their account balances among various mutual funds. In 2018, Messrs. Young, Ellen, Collins and Johnston participated in the SSP.
Also as part of the SSP, we offer an enhanced defined contribution component (the “Non-qualified EDC”) on a non-tax qualified basis to the SSP plan account. The Non-qualified EDC provides a contribution equal to 3% of eligible compensation over statutory pay limits to individual accounts annually. The Non-qualified EDC contributions are 100% vested after three years of service with the Company or prior affiliates.


The SSP also offers our employees the opportunity to defer up to 100% of their annual bonus. Participants will make yearly elections on payout options of bonus deferrals under the plan. Vesting is immediate and the participant has multiple distribution options available during each annual enrollment period. Participants self-direct the investment of their account balances among various mutual funds.
The SSP is unfunded with respect to the Company's obligation to pay any balances in the SSP. A participant's rights to receive any payment from the SSP shall be no greater than the rights of an unsecured general creditor of the Company.
The following table sets forth information regarding the nonqualified deferred compensation under the SSP for each NEO in fiscal year 2018.
Name 
Executive Contributions In Last Fiscal Year(1)
 
Registrant Contributions In Last Fiscal Year(2)
 
Aggregate Earnings In Last Fiscal Year(3)
 Aggregate Withdrawals/ Distributions 
Aggregate Balance At Last Fiscal Year End(4)
Robert J. Gamgort $
 $
 $
 $
 $
Larry Young 1,179,824
 301,191
 1,145,521
 
 13,569,587
Ozan Dokmecioglu 
 
 
 
 
Martin Ellen 183,396
 29,182
 40,854
 
 1,788,284
James Baldwin 
 46,566
 68,162
 
 1,059,311
Rodger Collins 310,534
 32,436
 240,829
 
 4,578,207
James Johnston 287,540
 117,616
 225,581
 
 2,958,924
James Trebilcock 
 51,788
 101,855
 
 1,345,601

(1)Aggregate amount of contributions made by our NEOs to the SSP in fiscal year 2018.
(2)Aggregate amount of the Company’s contributions to the NEOs’ accounts under the SSP in fiscal year 2018. The amounts reported in this column are included in executive compensation of the NEO reported in the Summary Compensation Table.
(3)Aggregate amount of earnings credited to the NEOs’ accounts under the SSP in fiscal year 2018. The amounts reported in this column are not included in executive compensation of the NEO reported in the Summary Compensation Table. For Mr. Collins amount reported also include earnings ($5,713) under a legacy Cadbury deferred compensation plan, frozen to new entrants and benefit accrual in 2006.
(4)The amounts in this column that were reported as executive compensation in the Summary Compensation Table for fiscal years prior to (and not including) 2018 were as follows: $2,093,431 for Mr. Young; $199,685 for Mr. Ellen; $321,756 for Mr. Collins; and $752,804 for Mr. Johnston. Messrs. Gamgort, Dokmecioglu, Baldwin, and Trebilcock were not NEOs in certain of those prior years and the amounts reflected in this footnote do not reflect any executive compensation that would have been included in the Summary Compensation Table if they had been an NEO in those prior years in which they were not an NEO. For Mr. Collins the amount reported also includes a balance ($190,060) under a legacy Cadbury defined contribution plan, frozen to new entrants and benefit accrual in 2006.
Not included in the table above are the Non-qualified EDC Contributions funded in February 2019, which are as follows:
Larry Young$279,938
Martin Ellen24,867
James Baldwin46,566
Rodger Collins18,348
James Johnston108,799
James Trebilcock51,788


Post-Termination Compensation
Employment Agreements with Mr. Gamgort and Mr. Dokmecioglu
Mr. Gamgort and Mr. Dokmecioglu each have employment agreements with the Company. Mr. Gamgort’s agreement provides for a term ending as of May 2, 2021; however, it will be automatically extended for successive one year periods unless either the Company or Mr. Gamgort gives notice to the other party not later than three (3) months prior to any such automatic extension that it or he does not want the term to be so extended. Mr. Dokmecioglu’s agreement may be terminated with ninety (90) days’ prior notice by either party. Each agreement includes non-competition and non-solicitation provisions, which provide that the executive will not, for a period of two years after termination of employment, (i) become engaged with companies that are in competition with us, including, but not limited to, a predetermined list of companies or (ii) solicit or attempt to entice away any of our employees or customers.
Termination without “Cause” or Termination for “Good Reason” Prior to a Change of Control
The executive employment agreements of Mr. Gamgort and Mr. Dokmecioglu each provide that severance payments occur and salary and benefits continue if termination of employment occurs without "cause" or if the executive resigns for "good reason."
In the event the Company terminates Mr. Gamgort's employment "without cause" or he resigns for "good reason," during the employment term, he is entitled to receive:
any outstanding salary earned but not yet paid,
solely in the case of the annual RSUs granted to Mr. Gamgort on September 15, 2016, if his employment is terminated by the Company without cause or by Mr. Gamgort for good reason (A) prior to May 2, 2019, vesting of a pro rata portion of such RSUs based on service completed from May 2, 2016 through the date of termination, or (B) on or after May 2, 2019, full vesting of all such RSUs;
the pro-rated cash incentive bonus payment for the year in which the termination occurs, paid based on actual performance and at the same time as the annual bonus is paid to other executives;
a cash severance benefit equal to the product of two (2) times the sum of Mr. Gamgort’s base salary and target annual cash incentive bonus for the year in which his termination of employment occurs. This severance benefit will be payable in 24 approximately equal monthly installments, except that, if the severance benefit is payable due to a termination of employment occurring within 24 months following a Change of Control that constitutes a change in control under Section 409A of the Code, the severance benefit will be payable in a lump sum within 30 days of the date of such termination of employment; and
payment by the Company of Mr. Gamgort’s cost to continue participation in the Company’s medical plans under COBRA until the earlier of (A) the expiration of Mr. Gamgort’s COBRA continuation period, (B) the last month during which the severance benefit is payable, and (C) such time as Mr. Gamgort is eligible to receive comparable welfare benefits from a subsequent employer.
In the event the Company terminates Mr. Dokmecioglu's employment "without cause" or he resigns for "good reason", he is entitled to receive:
any outstanding salary earned but not yet paid;
solely in the case of the annual RSUs granted to Mr. Dokmecioglu on September 15, 2016, if his employment is terminated by the Company without cause or by Mr. Dokemcioglu for good reason full vesting of all such RSUs;
a pro-rated cash incentive bonus for the year in which the termination occurs, paid at actual performance and at the same time as the annual bonus is paid to other executives,


a cash severance benefit equal to the product of two (2) times the sum of Mr. Dokmecioglu’s base salary and target bonus for the year in which his termination of employment occurs. This severance benefit will be payable in 24 approximately equal monthly installments, except that, if the severance benefit is payable due to a termination of employment occurring within 24 months following a Change of Control that constitutes a change in control under Section 409A of the Code, the severance benefit will be payable in a lump sum within 30 days of the date of such termination of employment; and
payment by the Company of Mr. Dokmecioglu’s cost to continue participation in the Company’s medical plans under COBRA until the earlier of (A) the expiration of Mr. Dokmecioglu’s COBRA continuation period, (B) the last month during which the severance benefit is payable and (C) such time as Mr. Dokmecioglu is eligible to receive comparable welfare benefits from a subsequent employer.
Termination Following a Change of Control
In the event the Company terminates Mr. Gamgort’s employment "without cause" or he resigns for "good reason" within twenty-four (24) months following a Change of Control, he is entitled to receive:
all of the benefits described above if his employment is terminated “without cause” or he resigns for “good reason,” except that if the termination occurs six months prior to or twenty-four (24) months following a Change of Control the cash severance benefit will be equal to the product of three (3) times the sum of Mr. Gamgort’s base salary and target annual cash incentive bonus for the year in which his termination of employment occurs; and
all unvested RSUs (including Matching RSUs) shall become fully vested and payable, subject to Section 409A of the Code.
In the event the Company terminates Mr. Dokmecioglu’s employment “without cause” or he resigns for “good reason” within twelve (12) months following a Change of Control, he is entitled to receive:
all of the benefits described above if his employment is terminated “without cause” or he resigns for “good reason”,, except that if the termination occurs six months prior to or twenty-four (24) months following a Change of Control the cash severance benefit will be equal to the product of three (3) times the sum of Mr. Dokmecioglu’s base salary and target annual cash incentive bonus for the year in which his termination of employment occurs; and
all unvested RSUs (including Matching RSUs) shall become fully vested and payable, subject to Section 409A of the Code.
Under the executive employment agreements "cause" is defined as termination of the executive's employment for his: 
intentional and continued failure substantially to perform his duties under the agreement (other than as a result of total or partial incapacity due to physical or mental illness or as a result of termination) which failure continues for more than 30 days after receipt by the executive of written notice setting forth the facts and circumstances identified by the Company as constituting adequate grounds for termination under this clause;
any intentional act or omission by executive constituting fraud or other serious malfeasance which in any such case is materially injurious to the financial condition of the Company or materially injurious to the business reputation of the CompanyMark Jackson, or any of its affiliates;
indictment for a felony or the substantial equivalent thereof under the laws of the United States, any state or political subdivision thereof or any other jurisdiction in which the Company conducts business, or
executive’s material breach of the non-compete and non-solicit provisions of his agreement, which breach is not cured by executive within 10 days following receipt of a written notice from the Company identifying in reasonable detail the actions, failure or omissions alleged to have constituted such breach.    
Prior to a Change of Control (defined below), “good reason” means:


the executive’s removal from, or the Company’s failure to reelect or reappoint him to, the position of chief executive officer of the Company for Mr. Gamgort, and chief financial officer of the Company for Mr. Dokmecioglu;
the Company’s demand for relocation of the executive’s principal workplaces without his consent to a location more than 25 miles distant from their initial principal workplace location;
a material breach by the Company of any of its obligations under the employment agreement; or
a material diminution in (or elimination of) the executive’s titles, positions, duties or responsibilities, or the assignment to executive of duties that are inconsistent, in a material respect,them, as proxy holders, each with the scope of dutiespower to appoint his substitute, and responsibilities associated with the positions specified above.
Following a Change of Control, “good reason” also means, in addition to the events described above under “good reason” under the Section titled, “Employment Agreements with Mr. Gamgort and Mr. Dokmecioglu -- Termination without “Cause” or Termination for “Good Reason” Prior to a Change of Control”, the failure of the Company to continue executive’s participation in the STIP, LTIP and EOP (or any similar plan or successor to any such plan) on a basis that is commensurate with his position.
A “Change of Control” is defined in each of Mr. Gamgort’s and Mr. Dokmecioglu’s agreements to mean:
any “person” or “group” other than JAB is or becomes the “beneficial owner”, directly or indirectly, of securities representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; or
JAB enters into any joint venture, joint operating arrangement, partnership, standstill agreement or other arrangement similar to any of the foregoing with any other person or group, pursuant to which such person or group assumes effective operational or managerial control of the Company; or
a plan or agreement is consummated providing (1) for a merger or consolidation of the Company, other than with a wholly-owned subsidiary, that would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto no longer continuinghereby authorizes them to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than 51 % of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, or (2) for a sale, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company.
Equity Treatment Upon Other Termination Scenarios
Double-Trigger Equity Vesting Upon a Change of Control
In the event of a Change of Control, all outstanding RSUs and Matching RSUs, including those held by our NEOs, have double-trigger protection which means that no accelerated vesting of outstanding RSUs will occur unless both (1) a Change of Control occurs, and (2) the executive is terminated within 24 months (or, in the case of Mr. Dokmecioglu, within 12 months) of such Change of Control.
Death or Disability
In the event of an executive’s termination due to death or disability, all outstanding RSUs and Matching RSUs become fully vested and payable.
Retirement
In the event of an executive’s retirement (generally definedvote, as attaining the age of 60 and completion of 10 years of service), outstanding RSUs and Matching RSUs provide for pro-rated vesting.
Letters of Understanding with Other NEOs
When we hire a new executive or a current executive is promoted, the executive will receive an offer letter which we refer to as a "letter of understanding." The letters of understanding have no term.


In the event Mr. Baldwin’s employment is involuntarily terminated, he is entitled to receive severance benefits under our Severance Pay Plan for salaried employees ("Severance Pay Plan"), which benefits include:
a lump sum severance payment equal to 1.5 times his annual base salary plus target bonus; and 
a lump sum cash payment equal to his annual cash incentive plan payment, pro-rated through the employment termination date and baseddesignated on the actual performance targets achieved for the year in which such termination of employment occurred and payable when such awards are paid under the plan to all employees.
Under the Severance Pay Plan, Mr. Baldwin is also entitled to outplacement services and certain payments under the qualified and non-qualified savings plans and pension plans. See discussion of pension benefits to be paid under the PPA Plan under "Historical Executive Compensation Information — Pension Benefits — Personal Pension Account Plan" beginning on page 46 and the PEP under "Historical Executive Compensation Information — Pension Benefits — Pension Equalization Plan" on page 46.
Mr. Baldwin would not be eligible for severance under the Severance Pay Plan if he were terminated: (i) for cause, (ii) because of inadequate or unsatisfactory performance, (iii) as the result of misconduct (including mismanagement of a position of employment by action or inaction, neglect that jeopardizes the life or property of another, intentional wrongdoing or malfeasance, intentional violation of a law, or violation of a policy or rule adopted to ensure the orderly work and the safety of employees), (iv) for gross neglect in job performance, or (v) because his position is eliminated and he refuses to accept another position, with generally comparable base salary and incentive compensation, that is located no more than 50 miles from his former office, or it does not cause a significant detrimental impact to the executives that commute. (These items are hereinafter referred to as "Disqualifying Conditions.")
At the time of the closing of the DPS Merger, Mr. Collins and Mr. Trebilcock each received a one-time cash payment (less applicable withholding) of $2,056.927, and $3,211,271, respectively, in exchange for forfeiting rights to future payments under DPS severance and change in control plans which existed at the time of the DPS Merger, and in lieu of future severance payments by KDP. As a result, Mr. Collins and Mr. Trebilcock are not eligible for any cash severance benefits for termination without cause or for good reason, with the exception that they would be eligible to participate in the Company’s medical, dental and vision benefits for a period of two (2) years beyond the applicable termination date with employee premiums paid by the Company at the rate of similarly situated active employees.
Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Collins and Mr. Trebilcock have each signed a non-compete agreement, which provides each will not, for a period of one year after termination of employment, (i) become engaged with companies that are in competition with us, including, but not limited to, a predetermined list of companies or (ii) solicit or attempt to entice away any of our employees or customers.
Messrs. Young and Ellen ceased employment with the Company on July 9, 2018 and Mr. Johnston ceased employment with the Company on July 27, 2018. Each of Messrs. Young, Ellen and Johnston were entitled to receive certain severance payments and benefits in connection with their separations as participants in the legacy-DPS Change in Control Severance Plan (the “CIC Plan”). The CIC Plan, subject to certain exceptions, provided that termination payments and benefits would be paid to a plan participant if there was a change in control of the Company and, within two years after the change in control, the participant’s employment was terminated or the participant voluntarily terminated his employment under certain adverse circumstances (a termination for “good reason,” as defined in the CIC Plan), including a significant adverse change in responsibilities of his position. The DPS Merger constituted a change in control under the CIC Plan. The payments and benefits received by each of Messrs. Young, Ellen and Johnston upon termination under the CIC Plan are follows:
Mr. Young was entitled to a payment equal to 3.0 times the sum of his base salary plus his target annual bonus (DPS MIP); 
Mr. Ellen was entitled to a payment equal to 2.75 times the sum of his base salary plus his target annual bonus (DPS MIP); and
Mr. Johnston was entitled to a payment equal to 2.5 times the sum of his base salary plus his target annual bonus (DPS MIP).
In addition, each of Messrs. Young, Ellen and Johnston also received other benefits, including payment of their MIP at target prorated to the date of termination, benefit continuation for the number of years equal to their payment multiplier, payment of unvested and vested qualified and non-qualified pension benefits and outplacement services.


Tables of Potential Payments and Assumptions
Messrs. Young, Ellen or Johnston received the following amounts in connection with their respective separations on July 9, 2018:
Mr. Young received an amount equal to $8,625,000, representing 3.0 times the sum of his base salary plus his target annual bonus, and the accelerated vesting of equity awards with a value of $16,287,602; 
Mr. Ellen received an amount equal to $3,260,400, representing 2.75 times the sum of his base salary plus his target annual bonus, and the accelerated vesting of equity awards with a value of $6,212,656; and
Mr. Johnston received an amount equal to $2,899,875, representing 2.5 times the sum of his base salary plus his target annual bonus, and the accelerated vesting of equity awards with a value of $7,190,396.
The following tables outline the potential payments to Messrs. Baldwin, Collins, Dokmecioglu, Gamgort and Trebilcock upon the occurrence of various termination events, including “termination without cause” or “for good reason” or “termination due to death or disability” or “retirement,” The following tables also reflect potential payments related to change-in-control and subsequent qualified termination within a specified window for Messrs. Baldwin, Collins, Dokmecioglu, Gamgort and Trebilcock.
With respect to Messrs. Baldwin, Collins, Dokmecioglu, Gamgort and Trebilcock, the following assumptions apply with respect to the tables below and any termination of employment:
the tables include estimates of amounts that would have been paid to NEOs in the event their employment is terminated involuntarily without Disqualifying Conditions on December 31, 2018. The employment of these NEOs did not actually terminate on December 31, 2018, and as a result, the NEOs did not receive any of the amounts shown in the tables below. The actual amounts to be paid to a NEO in connection with a termination event can only be determined at the time of such termination event; 
the tables assume that the price of a share of our common stock is $25.64 per share, the closing market price per share on the NYSE on December 31, 2018; 
each NEO is entitled to receive amounts earned during the term of his employment regardless of the manner of termination. These amounts include accrued base salary, accrued vacation time and other employee benefits to which the NEO was entitled on the date of termination, and are not shown in the tables below:
Name Compensation Element Retirement Death Disability Termination
Without Cause or For Good Reason
 Termination Without Cause or For Good Reason Following CIC
Robert J. Gamgort Severance Payments $
 $
 $
 $5,250,000
 $7,125,000
  Lump Sum 2018 STIP Payment 
 1,453,125
 1,453,125
 1,453,125
 1,453,125
  Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits Continuation 
 
 
 47,709
 1,988
  Outplacement Services 
 
 
 
 
  Accelerated Equity Payments: 
 101,739,751
 101,739,751
 47,134,558
 101,739,751
  TOTAL $
 $103,192,876
 $103,192,876
 $53,885,392
 $110,319,864



Name Compensation Element Retirement ($) Death ($) Disability ($) Termination
Without Cause or For Good Reason ($)
 Termination Without Cause or For Good Reason Following CIC ($)
Ozan Dokmecioglu Severance Payments $
 $
 $
 $2,080,000
 $2,720,000
  Lump Sum 2018 STIP Payment 
 496,000
 496,000
 496,000
 496,000
  Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits Continuation 
 
 
 47,709
 1,988
  Outplacement Services 
 
 
 
 
  Accelerated Equity Payments: 
 42,891,541
 42,891,541
 12,852,819
 42,891,541
  TOTAL $
 $43,387,541
 $43,387,541
 $15,476,528
 $46,109,529

Name Compensation Element Retirement ($) Death ($) Disability ($) Termination
Without Cause or For Good Reason ($)
 Termination Without Cause or For Good Reason Following CIC ($)
James L. Baldwin Severance Payments $
 $
 $
 $1,266,075
 $1,266,075
  Lump Sum 2018 MIP Payment 393,190
 347,550
 393,190
 393,190
 347,550
  Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits Continuation 
 
 
 24,601
 24,601
  Outplacement Services 
 
 
 6,700
 6,700
  Accelerated Equity Payments: 
 3,344,353
 3,344,353
 
 3,344,353
  TOTAL $393,190
 $3,691,904
 $3,737,543
 $1,690,566
 $4,989,280

Name Compensation Element Retirement ($) Death ($) Disability ($) Termination
Without Cause or For Good Reason ($)
 Termination Without Cause or For Good Reason Following CIC ($)
Rodger Collins Severance Payments $
 $
 $
 $
 $
  Lump Sum 2018 MIP Payment 182,256
 256,984
 182,256
 182,256
 256,984
  Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits Continuation 
 
 
 17,547
 29,246
  Outplacement Services 
 
 
 6,700
 6,700
  Accelerated Equity Payments: 
 
 
 
 
  TOTAL $182,256
 $256,984
 $182,256
 $206,503
 $292,930

Name Compensation Element Retirement ($) Death ($) Disability ($) Termination
Without Cause or For Good Reason ($)
 Termination Without Cause or For Good Reason Following CIC ($)
James Trebilcock Severance Payments $
 $
 $
 $
 $
  Lump Sum 2018 MIP Payment 185,497
 187,693
 185,497
 185,497
 187,693
  Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits Continuation 
 
 
 24,601
 32,801
  Outplacement Services 
 
 
 6,700
 6,700
  Accelerated Equity Payments: 167,218
 3,344,353
 3,344,353
 
 3,344,353
  TOTAL $352,715
 $3,532,047
 $3,529,851
 $216,798
 $3,571,548


CEO Pay Ratio
As required by Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Act, we are providing disclosure regarding the ratio of the annual total compensation of our CEO, Mr. Gamgort, to that of our median employee. Mr. Gamgort became our CEO on July 9, 2018 in connection with the closing of the DPS Merger.
As a multi-national organization, we have employees operating in several countries. Our objective is to provide competitive compensation commensurate with an employee’s position and geographic location, while also linking compensation to Company and individual performance.
To provide context for this disclosure, it is important to understand the scope of our operations. Approximately twenty percent of our employees are located in Mexico where the cost of living is significantly below the United States. The compensation elements and pay levels of our employees can vary dramatically from country to country based on market trends, cost of living, and cost of labor. These factors, along with fluctuations in currency exchange rates, impact the median employee compensation and the resulting ratio.
Our CEO to median employee pay ratio was calculated in accordance with Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K, and represents a reasonable estimate. We identified our median employee (“Median Employee”) by using 2018 base salaries, our consistently applied compensation measure, for all individuals who were employed by us on December 31, 2018, excluding our CEO, annualized for any employees who joined the Company during 2018. To identify the compensation of our Median Employee, we determined the total compensation paid for each of our employees without applying any cost-of-living adjustments. For an employee paid in a currency other than U.S. dollars, we converted annual compensation into U.S. dollars. Based on this data and process, we determined that our Median Employee was an hourly employee with annual total compensation of $44,840.
Because we had two CEOs in 2018, for purposes of calculating the annual total compensation of Mr. Gamgort, our current CEO, we annualized Mr. Gamgort’s compensation by utilizing his 2018 annual base salary and other compensation. To align the elements of compensation used in calculating Mr. Gamgort’s total compensation with those used in calculating the Median Employee’s total compensation, we then added to this annual base salary and other compensation figure Mr. Gamgort’s non-equity incentive plan compensation received for 2018, which as discussed above, reflected fifteen (15) months of bonus opportunity due to the change in Maple’s fiscal year. Using this methodology, Mr. Gamgort’s adjusted annualized compensation was $5,064,427. Therefore, the ratio of our CEO’s annual total compensation to the Median Employee’s annual total compensation in 2018 was 113 to 1.
This calculated amount differs from the amount reported for Mr. Gamgort in the “Total” column of our 2018 Summary Compensation Table included in this Proxy Statement because the amount in the “Total” column reflects his compensation only for the period of time in 2018 for which he was employed by the Company, while his annualized total compensation for purposes of the pay ratio as described above assumes that he was employed by us for an entire year. The pay ratio as described above involves a degree of imprecision due to the use of estimates and assumptions, but is a reasonable estimate that we calculated in a manner consistent with Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K.


Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table summarizes certain information related to our equity award plans as of December 31, 2018.
Plan Category Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (#) Weighted Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights ($) Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Initial Column) (#)
Equity Compensation Plans approved by stockholders – Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan of 2009(1)   
 4,166,792 $12.54 
4,512,751(2)
Equity Compensation Plans not approved by security holders(3)   
 16,042,217  8,518,683
Total 20,209,009 $12.54 13,031,434

(1)Net of cancellations, 3,130,233 RSUs have been granted under the Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan of 2009 since the closing of the DPS Merger. There are currently options to purchase 1,036,559 shares of KDP Common Stock outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of $12.54 per share and weighted average remaining contractual term of 6.62 years. RSUs have no exercise price, thus reducing the weighted average exercise price presented above.
(2)Represents awards authorized for future grants under the Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan of 2009.
(3)In connection with the DPS Merger, the Company assumed the Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan and the Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. Executive Ownership Plan, in each case effective August 11, 2016, and the RSUs outstanding thereunder and the authorized but unissued share pool with respect thereto (the “Keurig Award Pool”) (as adjusted pursuant to the “Exchange Ratio”, as defined in the DPS Merger agreement). The Company may grant awards to legacy-Keurig employees and other employees of KDP who were not employed by DPS upon the closing of the DPS Merger out of the Keurig Award Pool. The Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan is the legacy-equity plan of KGM pursuant to which legacy-KGM employees were granted their annual long-term equity incentive awards in the form of Maple RSUs. The Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. Executive Ownership Plan is the legacy-investment program of KGM pursuant to which legacy-KGM employees participated in the Elite and Platinum investment programs through the purchase of Maple shares of common stock.


PROPOSAL 4 —2019 OMNIBUS STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
Our Board adopted the Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan of 2019 (the "2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan") on February 14, 2019, subject to stockholder approval. The 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan is intended to replace our Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan of 2009 (the "2009 Stock Plan"), which originally was approved by our stockholders in May 2009. At the time our Board approved the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan, the Board determined that, if the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan was approved by the stockholders, then no new grants would be made under the 2009 Stock Plan. Pursuant to the terms of the 2009 Stock Plan, any award already granted under the 2009 Stock Plan as of June 7, 2019 shall remain in full force and effect, as if the 2009 Stock Plan had not been amended or terminated. The 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan is designed to attract and retain employees and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries, to attract and retain qualified non-employee directors of the Company, to encourage the sense of proprietorship of such employees, consultants and non-employee directors and to stimulate the active interest of such persons in the development and financial success of the Company and its subsidiaries.
General Summary of Terms of the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan
The following is a summary of the material terms of the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The full text of the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan is attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix I. Please refer to Appendix I for a more complete description of the terms of the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning assigned to them in the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
Eligibility. Any officers, employees, non-employee directors or consultants who perform services for us or our subsidiaries who are selected by our RemCo may participate in the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had approximately 26,270 employees, 11 of whom are officers of the Company and 11 non-employee directors who are eligible for selection by the RemCo to participate in the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The RemCo’s selection of eligible participants in the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan is generally based upon the RemCo’s evaluation of, among other considerations, retention, reward and incentive needs to stimulate the active interest of such persons in the development and financial success of the Company and its subsidiaries.
Common Stock Available for Awards. Under the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan, there are an aggregate of number of shares of common stock equal to the sum of (i) 25,000,000 (all of which may be granted, in the sole discretion of the RemCo, as Incentive Options), plus (ii) the number of shares that remain available for grant under the 2009 Stock Plan as of June 7, 2019 (the “Effective Date”), plus (iii) the number of shares that are subject to or underlie awards which expire or for any reason are cancelled, terminated, forfeited, fail to vest, or for any other reason are not paid or delivered in shares under the 2009 Stock Plan following the Effective Date, except for the shares surrendered or withheld as payment of either the exercise price of an award and/or withholding taxes in respect of such an award. Shares of our common stock underlying Awards granted through the assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding Awards previously granted to individuals who become employees of the Company as a result of a merger, consolidation, acquisition or other corporate transaction involving the Company shall not, unless required by law or regulation, count against the reserve of shares available for issuance. Awards valued by reference to common stock that may be settled in equivalent cash value will count as shares of common stock delivered to the same extent as if the Award were settled in shares of common stock.
Administration. The 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan will be administered by the RemCo, which will have full and final authority to select persons to receive Awards and establish the terms of such Awards, unless such authority is specifically reserved by our Board in the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan or to such other committee of the Board as may be designated by the Board. Subject to that limitation and certain other limitations in the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan, the RemCo shall have the power to:
select the officers, employees, non-employee directors and consultants to be granted Awards under the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan;
determine the terms of Awards to be made to each participant;
determine the time when Awards are to be granted and any conditions that must be satisfied before an Award is granted;
establish objectives and conditions for earning Awards;


determine the terms and conditions of Award agreements (which shall not be inconsistent with the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan) and who must sign each Award agreement;
determine whether the conditions for earning an Award have been met and whether a performance Award will be paid at the end of an applicable performance period;
modify the terms of Awards;
determine if, when and under what conditions payment of all or any part of an Award may be deferred;
determine whether the amount or payment of an Award should be reduced or eliminated; and
determine the guidelines and/or procedures for the payment or exercise of Awards.
The RemCo may also delegate its authority under the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan to the chairman of the Board, the chief executive officer, the chief human resources officer, or other senior officers of the Company, its duties under the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan pursuant to such conditions or limitations as the RemCo may establish.
Prohibition on Repricing of Awards. The terms of outstanding Awards may not be amended to reduce the exercise price of outstanding Options or Stock Appreciation Rights nor may outstanding Options or Stock Appreciation Rights be cancelled, exchanged, substituted, bought out or surrendered in exchange for cash, other awards or Options or Stock Appreciation Rights with an exercise price that is less than the exercise price of the original Options or Stock Appreciation Rights, unless (i) approved by the stockholders or (ii) in connection with a corporate transaction involving the Company (including, without limitation, any stock dividend, stock split, extraordinary cash dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, or exchange of shares).
Effective Date; Plan Termination. The 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan will become effective as of June 7, 2019. No Award may be granted under the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan more than 10 years after the date it becomes effective.
Clawback. All Awards under the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan will be subject to any clawback or recoupment policies of the Company, as may be in effect from time to time, or as otherwise required by law.
Awards. Each award (an “Award”) shall be embodied in an Award agreement, which shall contain such terms, conditions and limitations as shall be determined by the RemCo in its sole discretion. Under the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan, the following Awards may be granted:
Option. An Option awarded pursuant to the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan may consist of an Incentive Option or a Nonqualified Option. Incentive Options may not be awarded to non-employee directors. The price at which shares of common stock may be purchased upon the exercise of an Option shall be not less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. The term of an Option shall not exceed ten years from the date of grant.
Stock Appreciation Right. The strike price for a Stock Appreciation Right awarded pursuant to the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan shall not be less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date on which the Stock Appreciation Right is granted. The term of a Stock Appreciation Right shall not exceed ten years from the date of grant.
Stock Award. Any Stock Award awarded pursuant to the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan which is not a Performance Award shall have a minimum restriction period of one year from the date of grant, provided that (i) the RemCo may provide for earlier vesting following a change of control or other specified event involving the Company or upon an employee’s termination of employment, and (ii) such one-year minimum restricted period shall not apply to a Stock Award that is granted in lieu of salary or bonus paid to an employee, or cash compensation paid to, and for service as, a non-employee director.


Performance Award. The terms, conditions and limitations applicable to any Performance Awards granted pursuant to the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan shall be determined by the RemCo, subject to the limitations specified below. Any stock Award which is a Performance Award shall have a minimum restriction period of one year from the date of grant; provided, that the RemCo may provide for earlier vesting following a change of control or other specified event involving the Company, or upon a termination of employment. The RemCo shall set performance goals in its sole discretion which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the value and/or amount of Performance Awards that will be paid out to the participant and/or the portion of an Award that may be exercised.
A performance goal is objective if a third party having knowledge of the relevant facts could determine whether the goal is met. Such a performance goal may be based on one or more business criteria that apply to an executive officer, one or more business units, divisions or sectors of the Company, or the Company as a whole, and if so desired by the RemCo, by comparison with a peer group of companies. A performance goal may include one or more of the following and need not be the same for each participant:
revenue and income measures (which include net sales, gross margin, income from operations, net income, and earnings per share);
expense measures (which include costs of goods sold, selling, general and administrative expenses and overhead costs);
operating measures (which include volume, margin, breakage and shrinkage, productivity and market share);
cash flow measures (which include net cash flow from operating activities and working capital);
liquidity measures (which include earnings before or after the effect of certain items such as interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and free cash flow);
leverage measures (which include debt-to-equity ratio and net debt);
market measures (which include market share, stock price, total stockholder return and market capitalization measures);
return measures (which include return on equity, return on assets and return on invested capital);
corporate value measures (which include compliance, safety, environmental and personnel matters);
other measures such as those relating to acquisitions, dispositions or customer satisfaction; and
any such other goals as may be identified by the RemCo.
Unless otherwise stated, such a performance goal need not be based upon an increase or positive result under a particular business criterion and could include, for example, maintaining the status quo or performance relative to a peer group determined by the RemCo.
The RemCo shall adjust the performance goals (either up or down) and the level of the Performance Award that a participant may earn under the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan, if it determines that the occurrence of external changes or other unanticipated business conditions have materially affected the fairness of the goals and have unduly influenced our ability to meet them, including without limitation, events such as material acquisitions, changes in the capital structure of the Company, and extraordinary accounting changes. In addition, performance goals and Performance Awards shall be calculated without regard to any changes in accounting standards that may be required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board after such performance goals are established. Further, in the event a period of service to which a performance goal relates is less than twelve months, the Compensation Committee shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to adjust the performance goals and the level of Performance Award opportunity.


Taxes. The Company shall have the right to deduct applicable taxes from any Award payment and withhold, at the time of delivery or vesting of cash or shares of common stock under the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan, an appropriate amount of cash or number of shares of common stock or a combination thereof for payment of taxes required by law or to take such other action as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company to satisfy all obligations for withholding of such taxes. The RemCo may also permit withholding to be satisfied by the transfer to the Company of shares of common stock theretofore owned by the holder of the Award with respect to which withholding is required. If shares of common stock are used to satisfy tax withholding, such shares will be valued based on the fair market value when the tax withholding is required to be made.
The following is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of awards under our equity compensation plans and arrangements, the material terms of which are discussed above. It does not purport to be a complete description of all applicable rules, and those rules (including those summarized here) are subject to change. The summary discusses only federal income tax laws and does not discuss any state or local or non-U.S. tax laws that may be applicable.
Incentive Options. In general, no taxable income is realized by a participant upon the grant of an Incentive Option. If shares of common stock are issued to a participant pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Option, then, generally (i) the participant will not realize ordinary income with respect to the exercise of the Incentive Option, (ii) upon sale of the underlying shares acquired upon the exercise of an Incentive Option, any amount realized in excess of the exercise price paid for the shares will be taxed to the participant as capital gain and (iii) the Company will not be entitled to a deduction. The amount by which the fair market value of the stock on the exercise date of an Incentive Option exceeds the purchase price generally will, however, constitute an item which increases the participant’s income for purposes of the alternative minimum tax. However, if the participant disposes of the shares acquired on exercise before the later of the second anniversary of the date of grant or one year after the receipt of the shares by the participant (a “disqualifying disposition”), the participant generally would include in ordinary income in the year of the disqualifying disposition an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time of exercise (or, if less, the amount realized on the disposition of the shares), over the exercise price paid for the shares. If ordinary income is recognized due to a disqualifying disposition, the Company would generally be entitled to a deduction in the same amount. Subject to certain exceptions, an Incentive Option generally will not be treated as an Incentive Option if it is exercised more than three months following termination of employment. If an ISO is exercised at a time when it no longer qualifies as an ISO, it will be treated for tax purposes as an Nonqualified Option as discussed below.
Nonqualified Options. In general, no taxable income is realized by a participant upon the grant of a Nonqualified Option. Rather, at the time of exercise of the Nonqualified Option, the participant will recognize ordinary income for income tax purposes in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the ordinary shares purchased over the exercise price. The Company generally will be entitled to a tax deduction at such time and in the same amount, if any, that the participant recognizes as ordinary income. The participant’s tax basis in any ordinary shares received upon exercise of a Nonqualified Option will be the fair market value of the ordinary shares on the date of exercise, and if the shares are later sold or exchanged, then the difference between the amount received upon such sale or exchange and the fair market value of such shares on the date of exercise will generally be taxable as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss (if the shares are a capital asset of the participant) depending upon the length of time such shares were held by the participant.
Stock Appreciation Rights. In general, no taxable income is recognized by a participant upon the grant of a Stock Appreciation Right, and the Company will not be entitled to a tax deduction at that time. Upon exercise, however, the participant will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income (and subject to income tax withholding) equal to the fair market value of any shares delivered and the amount of cash paid by the Company in settlement of the rights. The Company generally will be entitled to a corresponding deduction at that time.
Restricted Stock. In general, no taxable income is recognized by a participant upon the grant of shares of restricted stock, and the Company will not be entitled to a tax deduction at such time, unless the participant makes an election under Section 83(b) of the Code to be taxed at that time. If the Section 83(b) election is made, the participant will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income (and subject to income tax withholding) at the time of the grant, equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at such time over the amount, if any, paid for such shares. If such Section 83(b) election is not made, the participant will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income (and subject to income tax withholding) at the time the restrictions lapse, in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at such time over the amount, if any, paid for such shares. The Company will generally be entitled to a corresponding deduction at the time the ordinary income is recognized by the participant, except to the extent that the deduction limits of Section 162(m) apply.


In addition, a participant receiving dividends with respect to restricted stock for which the above-described 83(b) election has not been made, and prior to the time the restrictions lapse, will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income (and subject to income tax withholding) rather than dividend income. The Company will generally be entitled to a corresponding deduction, except to the extent that the deduction limits of Section 162(m) apply.
Restricted Stock Units. In general, taxable income is not recognized by a participant upon the grant of a restricted stock unit, and the Company will not be entitled to a tax deduction at that time. The participant will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income (and subject to income tax withholding), however, at the time of the settlement of the award, equal to the fair market value of any shares delivered and the amount of cash paid by the Company. The Company will be entitled to a corresponding deduction, except to the extent that the deduction limits of Section 162(m) apply.
Unrestricted Stock. In general, a participant will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income (and subject to income tax withholding) upon the grant of unrestricted stock, and of restricted stock subject only to restrictions on transferability, equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at such time over the amount, if any, paid for such shares. The Company will generally be entitled to a corresponding deduction at that time, except to the extent that the deduction limits of Section 162(m) apply.
Section 162(m). Section 162(m) of the Code imposes an annual limit of $1 million per person on the corporate tax deduction for compensation paid by a company to its chief executive officer, its chief financial officer and its top three highest paid officers in a given year, and each person who has been a Covered Employee for any prior tax year beginning after December 31, 2016 (“Covered Employees”). The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, signed into law in December 2017 (“Tax Reform Act”), substantially modified Section 162(m) of the Code by, among other things, eliminating the exemption for performance-based compensation. As a result, beginning in 2018, compensation paid to Covered Employees in excess of $1 million will generally be nondeductible, whether or not it is a Performance Award granted pursuant to the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
The foregoing general tax discussion is intended for the information of our shareholders considering how to vote with respect to this proposal, and not as tax guidance to participants in the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan. We strongly urge participants to consult their own tax advisors regarding the federal, state, local, foreign, and other tax consequences of participating in the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
Amendment, Modification, Suspension or Termination. The Board or the RemCo may amend, modify, suspend or terminate the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan for the purpose of meeting or addressing any changes in legal requirements or for any other purpose permitted by law, except that (i) no amendment or alteration that would materially adversely affect the rights of any participant under any Award previously granted to such participant shall be made without the consent of such participant and (ii) no amendment or alteration shall be effective prior to its approval by the stockholders of the Company to the extent stockholder approval is otherwise required by applicable legal requirements.
Adjustments. The existence of outstanding Awards shall not effect in any manner the right or power of the Company or its stockholders to make or authorize any or all adjustments, recapitalizations, reorganizations or other changes in the capital stock of the Company or its business or any merger or consolidation of the Company, or any issue of bonds, debentures, preferred or prior preference stock (whether or not such issue is prior to, on a parity with or junior to the common stock) or the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or any sale or transfer of all or any part of its assets or business, or any other corporate act or proceeding of any kind, whether or not of a character similar to that of the acts or proceedings enumerated in the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan. In the event of any subdivision or consolidation of outstanding shares of common stock, declaration of a dividend payable in shares of common stock or other stock split, then (i) the number of shares of common stock reserved under the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan, (ii) the number of shares of common stock covered by outstanding Awards in the form of common stock or units denominated in common stock, (iii) the exercise or other price in respect of such Awards, (iv) the number of shares of common stock covered by Awards to non-employee directors granted pursuant to the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan, and (v) the appropriate fair market value and other price determinations for such Awards shall each be proportionately adjusted by the Board to reflect such transaction. In the event of any other recapitalization or capital reorganization of the Company, any consolidation or merger of the Company with another corporation or entity, the adoption by the Company of any plan of exchange affecting the common stock or any distribution to holders of common stock or securities or property (other than normal cash dividends or dividends payable in common stock), the Board shall make appropriate adjustments to (x) the number of shares of common stock covered by Awards in the form of common stock or units denominated in common stock, (y) the exercise or other price in respect of such Awards, (z) the appropriate fair market value and other price determinations for such Awards, and (vi) the number of shares of common stock covered by Awards to non-employee directors automatically granted pursuant to the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan,


to give effect to such transaction shall each be proportionately adjusted by the Board to reflect such transaction; provided that such adjustments shall only be such as are necessary to maintain the proportionate interest of the holders of the Awards and preserve, without exceeding, the value of such Awards.
In the event of a corporate merger, consolidation, acquisition of property or stock, separation, reorganization or liquidation, the Board may make such adjustments to Awards or other provisions for the disposition of Awards as it deems equitable, and shall be authorized, in its sole discretion, (i) to provide for the substitution of a new Award or other arrangement (which, if applicable, may be exercisable for such property or stock as the Board determines) for an Award or the assumption of the Award, regardless of whether in a transaction to which Section 424(a) of the Code applies, (ii) to provide, prior to the transaction, for the acceleration of the vesting and exercisability of, or lapse of restrictions with respect to, the Award and, if the transaction is a cash merger, provide for the termination of any portion of the Award that remains unexercised at the time of such transaction or (iii) to cancel any such Awards and to deliver to the participants cash in an amount that the Board shall determine in its sole discretion is equal to the fair market value of such Awards on the date of such event, which in the case of Options or Stock Appreciation Rights shall be the excess of the fair market value of common stock on such date over the exercise price of an Award (for the avoidance of doubt, if the fair market value is equal to or less than the exercise price, the Option or Stock Appreciation Right may be canceled for no consideration).
Section 409A of the Code. Awards under the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan are intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code to the extent subject thereto, and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan will be interpreted and be administered to be in compliance therewith. Any payments described in the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan that are due within the “short-term deferral period” as defined in Section 409A of the Code will not be treated as deferred compensation unless applicable law requires otherwise. To the extent required in order to avoid accelerated taxation and/or tax penalties under Section 409A of the Code, a participant will not be considered to have terminated employment with the Company for purposes of the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan and no payment will be due to such participant under the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan or any Award until such participant would be considered to have incurred a “separation from service” from the Company within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan, to the extent required in order to avoid accelerated taxation and/or tax penalties under Section 409A of the Code, amounts that would otherwise be payable and benefits that would otherwise be provided pursuant to the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan during the six (6) month period immediately following a participant’s termination of employment shall instead be paid on the first business day after the date that is six (6) months following a participant’s separation from service (or upon a participant’s death, if earlier). In addition, for purposes of the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan, each amount to be paid or benefit to be provided to the participant pursuant to the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan, which constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code, will be construed as a separate identified payment for purposes of Section 409A of the Code.
New Plan Benefits
Awards under the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan will be made by the RemCo in its discretion and depend on a number of factors. Generally, the future awards that would be received under the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan by our officers, employees, non-employee directors or consultants are discretionary and are therefore not determinable at this time.
Registration with the SEC
We intend to file a Registration Statement on Form S-8 relating to the issuance of our common stock under the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as soon as is practicable after approval of the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan by our stockholders.
The affirmative vote of the holders of our common stock having a majority of the voting power eligible to vote and voting, either in person or by proxy, at the annual meeting will be required to approve the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE OMNIBUS STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN OF 2019.


POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Our RemCo has oversight responsibility for our political activities, including our Political Action Committee. Our political contributions policy sets forth basic principles that, together with our Code of Conduct, guide our approach to corporate political contributions. We disclose on our website our approach for political contributions and a summary of direct corporate contributions and those of our Political Action Committee, including contributions to industry associations and federal, state and local parties and candidates. This disclosure is available on our website at www.keurigdrpepper.com under Our Company — Downloads (at bottom of page) — Public Policy (at bottom of downloads) — Public Policy link.
DELIVERY OF PROXY MATERIALS TO HOUSEHOLDS WITH MULTIPLE STOCKHOLDERS
If you have consented to the delivery of only one 2018 Form 10-K or set of proxy materials, as applicable, to multiple KDP stockholders who share your address, then only one 2018 Form 10-K or set of proxy materials, as applicable, will be delivered to your household unless we have received contrary instructions from one or more of the stockholders sharing your address. We will deliver promptly, upon oral or written request, a separate copy of the 2018 Form 10-K or set of proxy materials, as applicable, to any stockholder at your address. If, now or in the future, you wish to receive a separate copy of the 2018 Form 10-K or set of proxy materials, as applicable, you may contact in writing Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), Householding Department at 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York, 11717, or call 1-866-540-7095. We will deliver promptly a separate copy of the Notice or proxy materials to a shareholder at a shared address to which a single copy was delivered, if requested. If you would like to opt out of householding for future deliveries of proxy materials, please contact your broker, bank or other nominee. Stockholders sharing an address who now receive multiple copies of the 2018 Form 10-K or set of proxy materials, as applicable, may request delivery of a single copy by calling Broadridge at the above number or writing to Broadridge at the above address.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2020 ANNUAL MEETING
We currently expect to hold our 2020 annual meeting on or around June 2020, and will mail the Proxy Statement for that meeting in April 2020, subject to any changes we may make. If any of our stockholders intends to present a proposal for consideration at the 2020 annual meeting, including the nomination of directors, without inclusion of such proposal in the proxy statement and form of proxy, such stockholder must provide notice to us of such proposal.
Pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act, stockholder proposals will need to be received by us not later than December 26, 2019, in order to be eligible for inclusion in the Proxy Statement and form of proxy distributed by the Board with respect to the 2020 annual meeting. With respect to any notice of a proposal that a stockholder intends to present for consideration at the 2020 annual meeting, without inclusion of such proposal in the Proxy Statement and form of proxy, in accordance with Article II, Section 6(c) or 7(b) of our Amended and Restated By-Laws, as applicable, stockholder proposals will need to be received by us not sooner than February 8, 2020, but not later than March 9, 2020, in order to be presented at the 2020 annual meeting. Stockholder proposals must be sent to our principal executive offices, 5301 Legacy Drive, Plano, Texas 75024, Attention: James L. Baldwin, Corporate Secretary.

By Order of the Board of Directors
jimbaldwinsig.jpg
James L. Baldwin
Corporate Secretary
April 25, 2019


APPENDIX I

KEURIG DR PEPPER INC.
OMNIBUS STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN OF 2019

1. Plan. This Keurig Dr Pepper Group Inc. Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan of 2019 (this Plan) was adopted by Keurig Dr Pepper Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), to reward certain employees, consultants and nonemployee directors of the Company or its Subsidiaries by enabling them to acquire shares of common stock of the Company.

2. Objectives. This Plan is designed to attract and retain employees and consultants of the Company and its Subsidiaries, to attract and retain qualified nonemployee directors of the Company, to encourage the sense of proprietorship of such employees, consultants and nonemployee directors and to stimulate the active interest of such persons in the development and financial success of the Company and its Subsidiaries. These objectives are to be accomplished by making Awards under this Plan and thereby providing Participants with a proprietary interest in the growth and performance of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

3. Definitions. As used herein, the terms set forth below shall have the following respective meanings:

Authorized Officer means the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, or Chief Human Resources Officer of the Company (or any other senior officer of the Company to whom either of them shall delegate the authority to execute any Award Agreement).

Award means the grant of any Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Stock Award or Performance Award, whether granted singly, in combination or in tandem, to a Participant pursuant to such applicable terms, conditions and limitations as the Committee may establish in accordance with the objectivesreverse side of this Plan.

Award Agreement means any written agreement (including in electronic form) between the Company and a Participant setting forth the terms, conditions and limitations applicable to an Award.

Board means the boardballot, all of directors of the Company.

Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

Committee means the Remuneration and Nomination Committee of the Board, any successor committee thereto or such other committee of the Board as may be designated by the Board to administer this Plan in whole or in part including any subcommittee of the Board as designated by the Board.

Common Stock means the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company.

Consultant means any consultant or independent contractor of the Company or any Subsidiary, but not including any Employee or Nonemployee Director.

Disability means permanent and total disability as determined under the Companys long-term disability plan applicable to the Participant, or if there is no such plan applicable to the Participant, Disability means a determination of total disability by the Social Security Administration; provided that, in either case, the Participants condition also qualifies as a disability for purposes of Section 409A with respect to an Award subject to Section 409A.

Disaffiliation means the sale, spin-off, public offering or other transaction that affects the divestiture of the Companys ownership of a Subsidiary or division of the Company.

Dividend Equivalents means, with respect to shares of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units, with respect to which shares are to be issued at the end of the Restriction Period, an amount equal to all dividends and


other distributions (or the economic equivalent thereof) that are payable to shareholders of record during the Restriction Period on a like number of shares of Common Stock.

Effective Date has the meaning set forth in Section 23.

Employee means an employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock means, as of a particular date, (i) if shares of Common Stock are listed on a national securities exchange, the closing sales price per share of Common Stock on the consolidated transaction reporting system for the principal national securities exchange on which shares of Common Stock are listed on that date, or, if there shall have been no such sales reported on that date, on the last preceding date on which such a sale was so reported, (ii) if the Common Stock is not so listed but is traded on an over-the-counter market, the mean between the closing bid and asked price on that date, or, if there are no such prices available for such date, on the last preceding date on which such prices shall be available, as reported by the National Quotation Bureau Incorporated, or (iii) if shares of Common Stock are not publicly traded, the most recent value determined by an independent appraiser appointed by the Company for such purpose.

Incentive Option means an Option that is intended to comply with the requirements set forth in Section 422 of the Code.

Nonemployee Director means an individual serving as a member of the Board who is not an employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

Nonqualified Option means an Option that is not intended to comply with the requirements set forth in Section 422 of the Code.

Option means a right to purchase a specified number of shares of Common Stock at a specified price.

Participant means an Employee, Consultant or Nonemployee Director to whom an Award has been made under this Plan.

Performance Award means an award made pursuant to this Plan to a Participant, which Award is subject to the attainment of one or more Performance Goals.

Performance Goal means a standard established by the Committee, to determine in whole or in part whether a Performance Award shall be earned.

Prior Plan means the Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan of 2009, as amended.

Restricted Stock means any Common Stock that is restricted or subject to forfeiture provisions.

Restricted Stock Unit means a unit evidencing the right to receive one share of Common Stock or equivalent value (as determined by the Committee) that is restricted or subject to forfeiture provisions.

Restriction Period means a period of time beginning as of the date upon which an Award of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units is made pursuant to this Plan and ending as of the date upon which the Common Stock subject to such Award is issued (if not previously issued) no longer restricted or subject to forfeiture provisions.

Section 409A means Section 409A of the Code and any Treasury Regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder.



Separation from Service with respect to Awards that are subject to Section 409A, means a Participants Termination of Employment with the Company and any of its Subsidiaries, other than by reason of death or Disability that qualifies as a separation from service for purposes of Section 409A.

Stock Appreciation Right or SAR means a right to receive a payment, in cash or Common Stock, equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value or other specified valuation of a specified number of shares of Common Stock on the date the right is exercised over a specified strike price, in each case, as determined by the Committee.

Stock Award means an award in the form of shares of Common Stock or units denominated in shares of Common Stock, including an award of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units.

Subsidiary means (i) in the case of a corporation, any corporation of which the Company directly or indirectly owns shares representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of the shares of all classes or series of capital stock of such corporation which have the right to vote generally on matters submitted to a vote of the shareholders of such corporation and (ii) in the case of a partnership or other business entity not organized as a corporation, any such business entity of which the Company directly or indirectly owns 50% or more of the voting, capital or profits interests (whether in the form of partnership interests, membership interests or otherwise).

Termination of Employment means the termination of a Participants employment with, or performance of services for, the Company and any of its Subsidiaries. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, if a Participants employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries terminates but such Participant continues to provide services to the Company and its Subsidiaries in a non-employee capacity, such change in status shall not be deemed a Termination of Employment. A Participant shall be deemed to incur a Termination of Employment in the event of the Disaffiliation of such Participants Subsidiary or division unless the Committee specifies otherwise. Temporary absences from employment because of illness, vacation or leave of absence and transfers among the Company and its Subsidiaries do not constitute a Termination of Employment. If an Award is subject to Section 409A, however, Termination of Employment for purposes of that Award shall mean the Participants Separation from Service.

4. Eligibility.

(a) Employees. All Employees are eligible for Awards under this Plan in the sole discretion of the Committee.

(b) Consultants. Consultants are eligible for Awards under this Plan in the sole discretion of the Committee.

(c) Nonemployee Directors. Nonemployee Directors are eligible for Awards under this Plan, in their capacities as directors.

5. Common Stock Available for Awards. Subject to the provisions of paragraph 15 hereof, there shall be available for Awards under this Plan granted wholly or partly in Common Stock (including rights or options that may be exercised for or settled in Common Stock) an aggregate number of shares of Common Stock equal to the sum of (i) 25,000,000 (all of which may be granted, in the sole discretion of the Committee, as Incentive Options), plus (ii) the number of shares that remain available for grant under the Prior Plan as of the Effective Date plus (iii) the number of shares that are subject to or underlie awards which expire or for any reason are cancelled, terminated, forfeited, fail to vest, or for any other reason are not paid or delivered in shares under the Prior Plan following the Effective Date, except for the shares surrendered or withheld as payment of either the exercise price of an award and/or withholding taxes in respect of such an award.

(a) In connection with the granting of an Option or other Award, the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under this Plan shall be reduced by the number of shares of Common Stock in respect of which the Option or Award is granted or denominated. For example, upon the grant of stock-settled SARs, the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under this Plan shall be reduced by the full number of SARs granted, and the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under this Plan shall not thereafter be increased upon the exercise of the SARs and settlement in shares of Common Stock, even if the actual number of


shares of Common Stock delivered in settlement of the SARs is less than the full number of SARs exercised. However, Awards that by their terms do not permit settlement in shares of Common Stock shall not reduce the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under this Plan.

(b) Any shares of Common Stock that are tendered by a Participant or withheld as full or partial payment of withholding or other taxes or as payment for the exercise or conversion price of an Award under this Plan shall not be added back to the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under this Plan.

(c) Whenever any outstanding Option or other Award (or portion thereof) expires, is cancelled, is settled in cash rather than in shares of Common Stock (pursuant to the terms of an Award that permits but does not require cash settlement) or is otherwise terminated for any reason without having been exercised or payment having been made in the form of shares of Common Stock, the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under this Plan shall be increased by the number of shares of Common Stock allocable to the expired, cancelled, settled or otherwise terminated Option or other Award (or portion thereof). To the extent that any Award is forfeited, or any Option or SAR terminates, expires or lapses without being exercised, the shares of Common Stock subjectof Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. that the stockholder(s) is/are entitled to such Awards will notvote at the virtual Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be counted as shares delivered under this Plan.

(d) Any shares of Common Stock underlying Awards granted throughheld live online at 10:00 a.m., ET, on Thursday, June 9, 2022, or any postponement or adjournment thereof. In their discretion, the assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted to individuals who become employees of the Company as a result of a merger, consolidation, acquisition or other corporate transaction involving the Company shall not, unless required by law or regulation, count against the reserve of available shares of Common Stock under this Plan.

(e) Awards valued by reference to Common Stock that may be settled in equivalent cash value will count as shares of Common Stock delivered to the same extent as if the Award were settled in shares of Common Stock.

The Committee and the appropriate officers of the Company shall beproxy holders are authorized to from time to time, take allvote upon such actions as any of them may determine are necessary or appropriate to file any documents with governmental authorities, stock exchanges and transaction reporting systemsother business as may be required to ensure that sharesproperly come before the virtual Annual Meeting of Common Stock are available for issuance pursuant to Awards.

6. Administration.

(a) Authority of the Committee. Stockholders or any postponement or adjournment thereof.

This Plan shall be administered by the Committee, which shall have the powers vested in it by the terms of this Plan, such powers to include the authority (within the limitations described in this Plan):


to select the Employees, Consultantsproxy, when properly executed and Nonemployee Directors to be granted Awards under this Plan;
to determine the terms of Awards to be made to each Participant;
to determine the time when Awards are to be granted and any conditions that must be satisfied before an Award is granted;
to establish objectives and conditions for earning Awards;
to determine the terms and conditions of Award Agreements (which shall not be inconsistent with this Plan) and who must sign each Award Agreement;
to determine whether the conditions for earning an Award have been met and whether a Performance Awardreturned, will be paid
at the end of an applicable performance period;
except as otherwise provided in paragraph 13, to modify the terms of Awards made under this Plan;
to determine if, when and under what conditions payment of all or any part of an Award may be deferred;
to determine whether the amount or payment of an Award should be reduced or eliminated; and
to determine the guidelines and/or procedures for the payment or exercise of Awards.



The Committee may correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in this Plan or in any Awardvoted in the manner and to the extent the Committee deems necessary or desirable to further Plan purposes. Any decision of the Committee in the interpretation and administration ofdirected herein. If no such direction is made, this Plan shall lie within its sole discretion and shallproxy will be final, conclusive and binding on all parties concerned.

(b) Limitation of Liability. No member of the Committee or officer of the Company to whom the Committee has delegated authorityvoted in accordance with the provisionsBoard of paragraph 7 of this Plan shall be liable for anything done or omitted to be done by him or her, by any member of the Committee or by any officer of the Company in connection with the performance of any duties under this Plan, except for his or her own willful misconduct or as expressly provided by statute.Directors’ recommendations.

IMPORTANT: CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON THE REVERSE SIDE.


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(c) Prohibition on Repricing of Awards. The terms of outstanding Awards may not be amended to reduce the exercise price of outstanding Options or SARs nor may outstanding Options or SARS be cancelled, exchanged, substituted, bought out or surrendered in exchange for cash, other awards or Options or SARs with an exercise price that is less than the exercise price of the
original Options or SARs, unless (i) approved by the stockholders or (ii) in connection with a corporate transaction involving the company (including, without limitation, any stock dividend, stock split, extraordinary cash dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, or exchange of shares).

7. Delegation of Authority. To the extent permitted by applicable law or the rules of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the shares of Common Stock are listed, quoted or traded, the Board or Committee may from time to time delegate to a committee of one or more members of the Board or to one or more officers of the Company the authority to grant or amend Awards or to take other administrative actions pursuant to this Section 6; provided, however, that in no event shall an officer of the Company be delegated the authority to grant Awards to, or amend Awards held by, the following individuals: (a) individuals who are subject to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended or (b) officers of the Company (or Nonemployee Directors) to whom authority to grant or amend Awards has been delegated hereunder. Any delegation hereunder shall be subject to the restrictions and limits that the Board or Committee specifies at the time of such delegation, and the Board may at any time rescind the authority so delegated or appoint a new delegatee.

8. Awards. (a) The Committee shall determine the type or types of Awards to be made under this Plan and shall designate from time to time the Participants who are to be the recipients of such Awards. Each Award shall be embodied in an Award Agreement, which shall contain such terms, conditions and limitations as shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.
Awards may consist of those listed in this paragraph 8(a) and may be granted singly, in combination or in tandem. Awards may also be made in combination or in tandem with, in replacement of, or as alternatives to, grants or rights under this Plan or any other plan of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries, including the plan of any acquired entity; provided that, except as contemplated in paragraph 15 hereof, no Option may be issued in exchange for the cancellation of an Option with a higher exercise price nor may the exercise price of any Option be reduced. Further, any Award shall also be subject to the restrictions set forth in paragraph 6(c) hereof. All or part of an Award may be subject to conditions established by the Committee, which may include, but are not limited to, continuous service with the Company and its Subsidiaries, achievement of specific business objectives, increases in specified indices, attainment of specified growth rates and other comparable measurements of performance. Upon the termination of employment by a Participant, any unexercised, deferred, unvested or unpaid Awards shall be treated as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.

(i) Option. An Award may be in the form of an Option. An Option awarded pursuant to this Plan may consist of an Incentive Option or a Nonqualified Option. Incentive Options may not be awarded to Nonemployee Directors. The price at which shares of Common Stock may be purchased upon the exercise of an Option shall be not less than the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date of grant. The term of an Option shall not exceed ten years from the date of grant. Subject to the foregoing provisions, the terms, conditions and limitations applicable to any Options awarded pursuant to this Plan, including the term of any Options and the date or dates upon which they become exercisable, shall be determined by the Committee.



(ii) Stock Appreciation Right. An Award may be in the form of a Stock Appreciation Right. The strike price for a Stock Appreciation Right shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date on which the Stock Appreciation Right is granted. The term of a Stock Appreciation Right shall not exceed ten years from the date of grant. Subject to the foregoing limitations, the terms, conditions and limitations applicable to any Stock Appreciation Rights awarded pursuant to this Plan, including the term of any Stock Appreciation Rights and the date or dates upon which they become exercisable, shall be determined by the Committee.

(iii) Stock Award. An Award may be in the form of a Stock Award. The terms, conditions and limitations applicable to any Stock Awards granted pursuant to this Plan shall be determined by the Committee, subject to the limitations specified below. Any Stock Award which is not a Performance Award shall have a minimum Restriction Period of one year from the date of grant, provided that (i) the Committee may provide for earlier vesting following a change of control or other specified events involving the Company or upon an Employees termination of employment, and (ii) such one-year minimum
Restricted Period shall not apply to a Stock Award that is granted in lieu of salary or bonus.

(iv) Performance Award. Without limiting the type or number of Awards that may be made under the other provisions of this Plan, an Award may be in the form of a Performance Award. The terms, conditions and limitations applicable to any Performance Awards granted to Participants pursuant to this Plan shall be determined by the Committee, subject to the limitations specified below. Any Stock Award which is a Performance Award shall have a minimum Restriction Period of one year from the date of grant, provided that the Committee may provide for earlier vesting following a change of control or other specified events involving the Company, or upon a termination of employment. The Committee shall set Performance Goals in its sole discretion which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the value and/or amount of Performance Awards that will be paid out to the Participant and/or the portion of an Award that may be exercised.

A Performance Goal may include one or more of the following and need not be the same for each Participant:

revenue and income measures (which include revenue, gross margin, income from operations, net income, net
sales and earnings per share);
expense measures (which include costs of goods sold, selling, general and administrative expenses and overhead
costs);
operating measures (which include volume, margin, breakage and shrinkage, productivity and market share);
cash flow measures (which include net cash flow from operating activities and working capital);
liquidity measures (which include earnings before or after the effect of certain items such as interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization, and free cash flow);
leverage measures (which include debt-to-equity ratio and net debt);
market measures (which include market share, stock price, total shareholder return and market capitalization
measures);
return measures (which include return on equity, return on assets, return on invested capital and internally
developed total return measures incorporating profit growth and cash flow yield measures, with cash flow yield
incorporating cash flow and capital expenditures);
corporate value measures (which include compliance, safety, environmental and personnel matters);
other measures such as those relating to acquisitions, dispositions or customer satisfaction; and
any such other goal as may be identified by the Committee.

Unless otherwise stated, such a Performance Goal may be set using the following baselines: past performance, forward looking budgets or expectations, performance relative to a peer group selected by the Committee.



(b) The Committee shall adjust the Performance Goals (either up or down) and the level of the Performance Award that a Participant may earn under this Plan, if it determines that the occurrence of external changes or other unanticipated business conditions have materially affected the fairness of the goals and have unduly influenced the Companys ability to meet them, including without limitation, events such as material acquisitions, changes in the capital structure of the Company, and extraordinary accounting changes. In addition, Performance Goals and Performance Awards shall be calculated without regard to any changes in accounting standards that may be required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board after such Performance Goals are established. Further, in the event a period of service to which a Performance Goal relates is less than twelve months, the Committee shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to adjust the Performance Goals and the level of Performance Award opportunity.

9. Awards to Nonemployee Directors. The Committee may grant a Nonemployee Director of the Company one or more Awards and establish the terms thereof in accordance with paragraph 8 consistent with the provisions therein for the granting of Awards to Employees and subject to the applicable terms, conditions and limitations set forth in this Plan and the applicable Award Agreement.

10. Award Payment; Dividends; Substitution; Fractional Shares.

(a) General. Payment of Awards may be made in the form of cash or Common Stock, or a combination thereof, and may include such restrictions as the Committee shall determine, including, in the case of Common Stock, restrictions on transfer and forfeiture provisions.

(b) Dividends and Interest. Rights to dividends or Dividend Equivalents may be extended to and made part of any Award consisting of shares of Common Stock or units denominated in shares of Common Stock, subject to such terms, conditions and restrictions as the Committee may establish. No dividends shall be paid on Options or SARs. No dividends shall be paid on Stock
Awards or Performance Awards until such Awards are earned. The Committee may also establish rules and procedures for the crediting of interest on deferred cash payments and Dividend Equivalents for Awards consisting of shares of Common Stock or units denominated in shares of Common Stock.

(c) Fractional Shares. No fractional shares shall be issued or delivered pursuant to any Award under this Plan. The Committee shall determine whether cash, Awards or other property shall be issued or paid in lieu of fractional shares, or whether fractional shares or any rights thereto shall be forfeited or otherwise eliminated.

11. Stock Option Exercise. The price at which shares of Common Stock may be purchased under an Option shall be paid in full at the time of exercise in cash or, if elected by the Participant, the Participant may purchase such shares by means of tendering Common Stock valued at Fair Market Value on the date of exercise, or any combination thereof. The Board or the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall determine acceptable methods for Participants to tender Common Stock. In accordance with the rules and procedures established for this purpose and subject to applicable law, Options may also be exercised through cashless exercise procedures approved by the Board or the Committee involving an approved broker or dealer.

12. Taxes. The Company shall have the right to deduct applicable taxes from any Award payment and withhold, at the time of delivery or vesting of cash or shares of Common Stock under this Plan, an appropriate amount of cash or number of shares of Common Stock or a combination thereof for payment of taxes required by law or to take such other action as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company to satisfy all obligations for withholding of such taxes. The Board or the Committee may also permit withholding to be satisfied by the transfer to the Company of shares of Common Stock theretofore owned by the holder of the Award with respect to which withholding is required. If shares of Common Stock are used to satisfy tax withholding, such shares shall be valued based on the Fair Market Value when the tax withholding is required to be made.

13. Amendment, Modification, Suspension or Termination. The Board or the Committee may amend, modify, suspend or terminate this Plan for the purpose of meeting or addressing any changes in legal requirements or for any other purpose permitted by law, except that (i) no amendment or alteration that would materially adversely affect the


rights of any Participant under any Award previously granted to such Participant shall be made without the consent of such Participant and (ii) no amendment or alteration shall be effective prior to its approval by the shareholders of the Company to the extent shareholder approval is otherwise required by
applicable legal requirements.

14. Assignability. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee in the Award Agreement, no Award or any other benefit under this Plan shall be assignable or otherwise transferable. Any attempted assignment of an Award or any other benefit under this Plan in violation of this paragraph 14 shall be null and void.

15. Adjustments.

(a) The existence of outstanding Awards shall not affect in any manner the right or power of the Company or its shareholders to make or authorize any or all adjustments, recapitalizations, reorganizations or other changes in the capital stock of the Company or its business or any merger or consolidation of the Company, or any issue of bonds, debentures, preferred or prior preference stock (whether or not such issue is prior to, on a parity with or junior to the Common Stock) or the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or any sale or transfer of all or any part of its assets or business, or any other corporate act or proceeding of any kind, whether or not of a character similar to that of the acts or proceedings enumerated above.

(b) In the event of any subdivision or consolidation of outstanding shares of Common Stock, declaration of a dividend payable in shares of Common Stock or other stock split, then (i) the number of shares of Common Stock reserved under this Plan, (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock covered by outstanding Awards in the form of Common Stock or units denominated in Common Stock, (iii) the exercise or other price in respect of such Awards, (iv) the number of shares of Common Stock covered by Awards to Nonemployee Directors granted pursuant to paragraph 9 hereof, and (v) the appropriate Fair Market Value and other price determinations for such Awards shall each be proportionately adjusted by the Board to reflect such transaction. In the event of any other recapitalization or capital reorganization of the Company, any consolidation or merger of the Company with another corporation or entity, the adoption by the Company of any plan of exchange affecting the Common Stock or any distribution to holders of Common Stock of securities or property (other than normal cash dividends or dividends payable in Common Stock), the Board shall make appropriate adjustments to (i) the number of shares of Common Stock covered by Awards in the form of Common Stock or units denominated in Common Stock, (ii) the exercise or other price in respect of such Awards, and (iii) the appropriate Fair Market Value and other price determinations for such Awards, and (iv) the number of shares of Common Stock covered by Awards to Nonemployee Directors automatically granted pursuant to paragraph 9 hereof, to give effect to such transaction shall each be proportionately adjusted by the Board to reflect such transaction; provided that such adjustments shall only be such as are necessary to maintain the proportionate interest of the holders of the Awards and preserve, without exceeding, the value of such Awards.

(c) In the event of a corporate merger, consolidation, acquisition of property or stock, separation, reorganization or liquidation, the Board may make such adjustments to Awards or other provisions for the disposition of Awards as it deems equitable, and shall be authorized, in its sole discretion, (i) to provide for the substitution of a new Award or other arrangement (which, if applicable, may be exercisable for such property or stock as the Board determines) for an Award or the assumption of the Award, regardless of whether in a transaction to which Section 424(a) of the Code applies, (ii) to provide, in connection with a transaction, for the acceleration of the vesting and exercisability of, or lapse of restrictions with respect to, the Award and, if the transaction is a cash merger, provide for the termination of any portion of the Award that remains unexercised at the time of such transaction or (iii) to cancel any such Awards and to deliver to the Participants cash in an amount that the Board shall determine in its sole discretion is equal to the fair market value of such Awards on the date of such event, which in the case of Options or Stock Appreciation Rights shall be the excess of the Fair Market Value of Common Stock on such date over the exercise price of such Award (for the avoidance of doubt, if the exercise price is less than Fair Market Value the Option or Stock Appreciation Right may be canceled for no consideration).

16. Restrictions. No Common Stock or other form of payment shall be issued with respect to any Award unless the Company shall be satisfied based on the advice of its counsel that such issuance will be in compliance with


applicable federal and state securities laws. Certificates evidencing shares of Common Stock delivered under this Plan (to the extent that such shares are so evidenced) may be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the rules, regulations and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any securities exchange or transaction reporting system upon which the Common Stock is then listed or to which it is admitted for quotation and any applicable federal or state securities law. The Committee may cause a legend or legends to be placed upon such certificates (if any) to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.

17. Unfunded Plan. Insofar as it provides for Awards of cash, Common Stock or rights thereto, this Plan shall be unfunded. Although bookkeeping accounts may be established with respect to Participants who are entitled to cash, Common Stock or rights thereto under this Plan, any such accounts shall be used merely as a bookkeeping convenience. The Company shall not be required to segregate any assets that may at any time be represented by cash, Common Stock or rights thereto, nor shall this Plan be construed as providing for such segregation, nor shall the Company, the Board or the Committee be deemed to be a trustee of any cash, Common Stock or rights thereto to be granted under this Plan. Any liability or obligation of the Company to any Participant with respect to an Award of cash, Common Stock or rights thereto under this Plan shall be based solely upon any contractual obligations that may be created by this Plan and any Award Agreement, and no such liability or obligation of the Company shall be deemed to be secured by any pledge or other encumbrance on any property of the Company. Neither the Company nor the Board nor the Committee shall be required to give any security or bond for the performance of any obligation that may be created by this Plan.

18. Section 409A of the Code. The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under the Plan comply with Section 409A of the Code to the extent subject thereto, and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, the Plan shall be interpreted and be administered to be in compliance therewith. Any payments described in the Plan that are due within the short-term deferral period as defined in Section 409A of the Code shall not be treated as deferred compensation unless applicable law requires otherwise. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, to the extent required in order to avoid accelerated taxation and/or tax penalties under Section 409A of the Code, the Participant shall not be considered to have terminated employment with the Company for purposes of the Plan and no payment shall be due to the Participant under the Plan or any Award until the Participant would be considered to have incurred a separation from service from the Company within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, to the extent required in order to avoid accelerated taxation and/or tax penalties under Section 409A of the Code, amounts that would otherwise be payable and benefits that would otherwise be provided pursuant to the Plan during the six (6) month period immediately following the Participants termination of employment shall instead be paid on the first business day after the date that is six (6) months following the Participants separation from service (or upon the Participants death, if earlier). In addition, for purposes of the Plan, each amount to be paid or benefit to be provided to the Participant pursuant to the Plan, which constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code, shall be construed as a separate identified payment for purposes of Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for each Award that constitutes nonqualified deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code, if required to avoid accelerated taxation and/or tax penalties, a change in control shall be deemed to have occurred for purposes of the payment or settlement of such Award under the Plan only if a change in the ownership of the corporation, a change in effective control of the corporation or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the corporation, within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(v) of the Code shall also be deemed to have occurred under Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, if any Plan provision or Award under this Plan would result in the imposition of an applicable tax under Section 409A, that Plan provision or Award shall be reformed to avoid imposition of the applicable tax and no such action shall be deemed to adversely affect the Participants rights to an Award.

19. Governing Law. This Plan and all determinations made and actions taken pursuant hereto, to the extent not otherwise governed by mandatory provisions of the Code or the securities laws of the United States, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.

20. No Right to Employment or Directorship. Nothing in this Plan or an Award Agreement shall interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company or a Subsidiary to terminate any Participants employment or other service


relationship at any time, nor confer upon any Participant any right to continue in the capacity in which he or she is employed or otherwise serves the Company or any Subsidiary. Further, nothing in this Plan or an Award Agreement constitutes any assurance or obligation of the Board to nominate any Nonemployee Director for re-election by the Companys shareholders.

21. Successors. All obligations of the Company under this Plan with respect to Awards granted hereunder shall be binding on any successor to the Company, whether the existence of such successor is the result of a direct or indirect purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise, of all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company.

22. Tax Consequences. Nothing in this Plan or an Award Agreement shall constitute a representation by the Company to a Participant regarding the tax consequences of any Award received by a Participant under this Plan. Although the Company may endeavor to (i) qualify a Performance Award for favorable U.S. or foreign tax treatment or (ii) avoid adverse tax treatment (e.g. under Section 409A), the Company makes no representation to that effect and expressly disavows any covenant to maintain favorable or unavoidable tax treatment. The Company shall be unconstrained in its corporate activities without regard to the potential negative tax impact on holders of Performance Awards under this Plan.

23. Effectiveness. This Plan is effective June 7, 2019 (the Effective Date), subject to approval by the shareholders of the Company. This Plan shall continue in effect for a term of ten years after the date on which the shareholders of the Company approve this Plan, unless sooner terminated by action of the Board.

24. Recoupment. All Awards made under the Plan shall be subject to any clawback or recoupment policies of the Company, as may be in effect from time to time, or as otherwise required by law.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Plan to be executed by its duly authorized officer on the date first written above.

KEURIG DR PEPPER INC.

By:_______________________
James L. Baldwin, Jr.
Title: Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Secretary



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