The Coca-Cola Company Names James Quincey President and COO

The Coca-Cola Company named James Quincey president and chief operating officer (COO). As president and COO, 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. 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 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 topline growth and expanded the company’s leading market share position in total nonalcoholic ready-to-drink (NARTD) beverages despite the volatile and prolonged macroeconomic challenges in the region. 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 AG to form Coca-Cola European Partners Plc., 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, chairman and chief executive officer. “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.” Concurrent to 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. “During his more than two decades at Coca-Cola, Ahmet has made numerous contributions to our system," says Kent. "As president of international, he was instrumental in leading both the recent streamlining of our international business and the evolution of key bottling operations in Africa and Western Europe. In addition, he has led the sustained growth of many of our key developing markets throughout Eurasia and Africa, and has played an important role in reinvigorating growth in critical Asia Pacific markets."