Coca-Cola names new president, COO
ATLANTA — A 19-year company veteran is moving up in the ranks at Coca-Cola. The company announced Friday that it had appointed James Quincey president and COO, where he will oversee the company’s worldwide marketing unit and report to CEO and Chairman Muhtar Kent.
“Over nearly two decades, James has built an impressive track record of strategic, operational and commercial accomplishments,” Kent said. “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.”
Quincey previously served as president of Coca-Cola’s Europe Group, which consists of 38 countries and is the company’s most profitable operating division. Quincey expanded Coca-Cola’s brand portfolio, growing the company’s leading market share position in total nonalcoholic ready-to-drink (NARTD) beverages, the company said.
He also oversaw the merger among Coca-Cola Enterprises, Coca-Cola Iberian Partners and Coca-Cola Erfrischungsgetranke AG to form Coca-Cola European Partners Plc.
“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,” Quincey said.
Quincey will succeed Ahmet Bozer, EVP and president of Coca-Cola International, who will retire in March 2016, after 25 years at the company.
Bozer, who was named president in 2012, began his career with Coca-Cola in 1990. He served as a financial controller manager in Atlanta, managing director of Coca-Cola Bottlers of Turkey and president of the Eurasia Group and President of the Eurasia & Africa Group.