The company said he was charged with bringing a "creative, innovative and consumer-centred" approach to PepsiCo's brands, with a strong focus on its top 12 global brands – Pepsi, Lay's, Gatorade, Quaker, Tropicana, Lipton, Sierra Mist/7-Up, Doritos, Cheetos, Mountain Dew, Sun and Mirinda.
PepsiCo president John Compton said brand innovation was vital to capitalise on world growth opportunities.
He said: "It is important for our brands to have a consistent and compelling 'voice' across geographies, media channels and consumer touch points. Mauro is a proven leader in architecting and managing a global design strategy and his creativity will influence all physical and virtual expressions of our PepsiCo brands."
Porcini will report to PepsiCo Global Beverage Group President, Brad Jakeman, who is also leading PepsiCo's long-term plan to drive more design-based innovation.
"At PepsiCo we believe that creating powerful consumer experiences and connections through design is a key lever of growth," Jakeman said. "Mauro is equally as passionate about this belief and will lead the creation of a strong, imaginative and dynamic ecosystem around our brands.
He added: "For the Pepsi trademark specifically, this ecosystem will remind consumers of the brand's long-standing connection to pop culture and all things 'now'."