Likewise, his predecessor Sanjeev Chadha, former CEO of AMENA, has taken on the role of chairman of AMENA.
Both Spanos and Chadha report to PepsiCo chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi.
"We are thrilled to promote Mike, one of our most seasoned and proven leaders, into this important role," said Nooyi.
"Most recently, Mike has led our business in China through unprecedented change, growing our foods and beverage businesses and investing in our nutrition portfolio," he said.
In 24 years with PepsiCo, Spanos held posts in the US, Europe and Asia. Prior to leading the China operations, he led the sales organisation across PepsiCo's North America Beverages portfolio, and served as senior vice-president and general manager for the West Business Unit of the company's beverage operations.
Nooyi also thanked Chadha for his “exemplary career” at PepsiCo over the last 27 years. His new role is transitionary and he will serve as chairman until his retirement at the end of March 2018.
Other key changes
Ram Krishnan, former senior vice-president and general manager of the global PepsiCo Walmart business, has commenced as president for Greater China, succeeding Spanos. He is now in charge of PepsiCo's China business across beverages, foods and nutrition.
Krishnan is another experienced hand at PepsiCo, with more than a decade’s experience in a number of senior leadership roles across brand and shopper marketing.
Chris Turner, former senior vice-president of Transformation for Frito-Lay North America (FLNA), has begun as senior vice-president and general manager of the global PepsiCo Walmart business. He reports to Al Carey, CEO for North America.
"Both Ram and Chris are highly-respected leaders with proven track records of success, and we are pleased when the opportunity presents itself to elevate our senior executives into new roles in support of personal and professional growth, while also enabling the success of PepsiCo," said Nooyi.
PepsiCo generated approximately $63 billion in net revenue in 2016, with a food and beverage portfolio that includes popular brands such as Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker and Tropicana.