The former senior vice president and CFO of Coca-Cola’s Europe business, Wadih J. Khayat, has joined Driscoll’s as its chief finance officer.
In his new role, Khayat will oversee global finance, technology and strategy; working closely with regional and functional leaders to ensure ‘disciplined’ capital deployment and the long-term success of the berry firm’s international network of independent growers.
He moves across from beverage giant Coca-Cola., where he spent more than two decades leading major finance organisations across the globe.
Khayat, who began his career in audit at Ernst & Young, has spent most of his working life with the Coca-Cola Company. Over the course of 26-years at the giant, he held a number of senior leadership roles, including CFO for the Asia Pacific Group, and CFO and head of strategy for Coca-Cola Global Ventures at the company’s global headquarters in Atlanta.
He has spent the last year as senior vice president and CFO for its European arm, overseeing operations across 38 countries.
“Wadih joins Driscoll’s at an important moment for our company,” said Bjorn, CEO of Driscoll’s. “As we prepare to launch our next long-term strategic plan, his strategic financial expertise, disciplined execution and caring leadership will strengthen our financial foundation, support our global teams and position us for the future.”
“Driscoll’s has a century-long legacy of exceptional berries, strong partnerships with growers and a deep commitment to the communities where we live and work,” Khayat said. “That legacy drew me to the company, and it’s a responsibility I take seriously. I was especially struck by the strength of the brand, the trust it has earned globally and the unique network of independent growers and teams delivering berries every day. I’m excited about what lies ahead.”
Driscoll’s has more than 900 independent growers around the world, with its berries grown in over 20 countries and available for consumers in more than 40 countries across North America, Australia, Europe, and China.
