Coca-Cola Company appoints James Quincey as ceo

By Gwen Ridler

- Last updated on GMT

James Quincey (left) will take over as ceo of Coca-Cola Company from Muhtar Kent (right)
James Quincey (left) will take over as ceo of Coca-Cola Company from Muhtar Kent (right)

Related tags Management

Coca-Cola Company has appointed president and chief operating officer James Quincey as its next ceo, effective from May 1 2017.

He will replace Muhtar Kent, who will remain as chairman of the company’s board of directors.

Coca-Cola’s board of directors also planned to nominate Quincey to stand for election as a director at the company’s annual shareowners’ meeting in April 2017.

Before his current roles, Quincey served as president of Coca-Cola Company’s European Group from 2013 to 2015.

Quincey joined the company in 1996 as director of learning strategy for the Latin America Group. He went on to serve in a number of operational roles before being appointed president of the South Latin Division in 2003.

Leading the merger

He also played a key role in leading the merger of Coca-Cola Enterprises, Coca-Cola Iberian Partners and Coca-Cola Erfrischungsgetranke to form Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP).

Prior to joining Coca-Cola, he was a partner in strategy consulting at The Kalchas Group, a spin off from management consulting firm Bain & Company and McKinsey.

Quincey said he was honoured and humbled by his appointment and was committed to continuing a strong partnership with Kent.

“We have a strong leadership tradition within the Coca-Cola system, and it’s a humbling experience to be selected for a role that has been held by Muhtar and so many great role models throughout the company’s history,” ​said Quincey.

‘Many opportunities’

“I am excited for the many opportunities that lie ahead for our business, and look forward to continuing to work with Muhtar to ensure a smooth transition.”

Kent, who has spent 38 years with Coca-Cola, said joining the board of directors and Quincey’s appointment was one of the proudest days of his career.

“I feel good, primarily because I know there is no one more capable of leading our company into the future as ceo than my close business partner, James Quincey,”​ added Kent.

“I know his vast industry knowledge, expertise with our brands, values and global bottling system, coupled with an acute understanding of how consumer tastes are changing, make him the ideal candidate to lead us forward.”

CCEP factory boss wins food manufacturing Oscar

CCEP’s Wakefield operations director Trevor Newman won the inaugural Me & my factory – editor’s choice award at the Food Manufacture Excellence Awards (FMEAs).

The award recognised the operational achievements of the site managers and directors featured in the Me and My Factory series of profiles published in Food Manufacture ​magazine and FoodManufacture.co.uk over the past year

Newman impressed the judging panel with his dedication to making efficiency improvements and inspired leadership and staff motivation.

CCEP was also shortlisted for Beverages Manufacturer of the Year, missing out to Clipper Tea, Wessanen UK. Register your interest for next year’s awards here.

Meanwhile, the latest Me and my factory profile focuses on Ramona’s Kitchen.

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