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College of Business Administration

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John Compton - 2010 Distinguished Alumnus

Paul Castagna "Every time I am on campus, I am reminded of how much I love the University of Tennessee and how grateful I am for the educational foundation I received here," says John Compton, chief executive officer of PepsiCo Americas Foods, the largest division within PepsiCo.  Supported by 125,000 employees, Compton leads the company’s $20 billion food and snack portfolio that includes Frito-Lay North America, Quaker Foods, and all of PepsiCo's Latin American food businesses.

Compton began his 27-year career working for Frito-Lay and PepsiCo shortly after graduating from UT in 1983 with a degree in finance. Over the course of his career, he has held senior-level positions with Frito-Lay North America, Quaker Tropicana Gatorade, and most recently as CEO PepsiCo North America.

"For the first 10 years or so after graduation, I primarily was focused on being successful in the company, and that consumed my time. But I eventually had the opportunity to return to UT to share my experiences with students, and I've been actively involved on campus ever since. I try to inspire students to 'Learn, Earn, Return'-learn all they can while at UT, be as successful as they can in their chosen professions, and then give back to the community as much as they possibly can."

It is the University of Tennessee's great fortune that Compton walks the talk. He has been an active supporter of the College of Business Administration, serving as an executive-in-residence lecturer and a member of the Advisory Council to the Dean for more than a decade. He also gives generously of his time to serve on the college's Campaign for Tennessee volunteer committee to support the college's fundraising efforts.   

In 2008, Compton was instrumental in coordinating a $350,000 grant from the PepsiCo Foundation to support the college's diversity efforts; he also made a personal contribution to enhance technology in the college's James A. Haslam II Business Building and to support the College Fund for Business Administration. To commemorate his gift, the college named the dean's suite in Compton's honor.

"It has been a pleasure to see the College of Business Administration transform into a premier institution with first-rate facilities, faculty, and students," says Compton. "I am honored to serve my alma mater in whatever capacity I can, and I look forward to seeing how much more we can achieve."