The Coca-Cola Company Appoints Veteran to Oversee Global Operations
The Coca-Cola Company has appointed James Quincey as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective immediately. As President and COO, James Quincey will have responsibility for all of the company’s operating units worldwide. He will report directly to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Muhtar Kent.
James Quincey, is a 19-year veteran of Coca-Cola and since 2013 served as President of The Coca-Cola Company’s Europe Group, which comprises 38 countries, including the Member States of the European Union, the European Free Trade Association countries and the Balkans. Under James Quincey’s leadership, the Europe Group, the company’s most profitable operating group, strategically expanded its brand portfolio and improved execution across the geography. These actions helped drive solid top-line growth and expanded the company’s leading market share position in total non-alcoholic ready-to-drink (NARTD) beverages despite the volatile and prolonged macroeconomic challenges in the region.
James Quincey also played an instrumental role in leading the recently announced proposed merger of Coca-Cola Enterprises, Coca-Cola Iberian Partners and Coca-Cola Erfrischungsgetranke to form Coca-Cola European Partners, in what will become the world’s largest independent Coca-Cola bottler based on net revenues.
“Over nearly two decades, James has built an impressive track record of strategic, operational and commercial accomplishments,” says Muhtar Kent. “He has proven to be a successful and trusted leader and brings to this position a strong reputation for developing people and inspiring teams. His wealth of experience across our global system, particularly in Europe and Latin America, will be a valuable asset as we continue to accelerate growth through our 2020 Vision and our previously announced five strategic actions. James is emblematic of the deep bench strength we have developed at Coca-Cola, and I could not be more pleased about his appointment to this critical role at this important time.”
“The board unanimously agrees that James Quincey’s leadership experience coupled with his strategic thinking and proven ability to deliver results make him the right person to help execute Coca-Cola’s strategic priorities and drive sustainable growth,” comments Sam Nunn, Independent Lead Director of The Coca-Cola Company’s board. “Additionally, James will complement Muhtar’s skills and qualities, making them a formidable team as they work to advance the company’s growth agenda.”
“I am excited and honored to take on this role and look forward to partnering with Muhtar and our talented senior leadership team to deliver on our 2020 Vision and help accelerate the strategic actions we’ve outlined to reinvigorate growth across our company and system worldwide,” says James Quincey.
Concurrent to James Quincey’s appointment, Ahmet Bozer, Executive Vice President and President of Coca-Cola International, will retire after a distinguished 25-year career in the Coca-Cola system. Bozer will stay with Coca-Cola until March 2016, to ensure a smooth transition and serve as an adviser to Muhtar Kent and the company on key strategic initiatives.
CAPTION:
James Quincey (left), President and Chief Operating Officer of The Coca-Cola Company, with Muhtar Kent, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company.
