ATLANTA -- The Coca-Cola Co. has named James Quincey as president and COO, effective immediately. He will have responsibility for all of the company's operating units worldwide and will report directly to chairman and CEO Muhtar Kent.
Quincey, 50, is a 19-year veteran of Coca-Cola and since 2013 has served as president of Coca-Cola’s Europe Group.
“Over nearly two decades, James has built an impressive track record of strategic, operational and commercial accomplishments,” said 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.”
Sam Nunn, independent lead director of Coca-Cola’s board, said, “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. Additionally, James will complement Muhtar’s skills and qualities, making them a formidable team as they work to advance the Company’s growth agenda.”
Reporting to Quincey will be Irial Finan, president, Bottling Investments & Supply Chain; J. Alexander “Sandy” Douglas Jr., president, North America Group; Brian Smith, president, Latin America Group; Atul Singh, president, Asia Pacific Group; Nathan Kalumbu, president, Eurasia & Africa Group; and Harry Anderson, senior vice president, Global Business Services. Also reporting to Quincey will be two executives leading the company’s strategic investment partnerships, Deryck van Rensburg and Doug Jackson. Dan Sayre, Western Europe Business Unit president, and Nikos Koumettis, Central and Southern Europe Business Unit president, will continue to report to Quincey.
Prior to his role as head of the Europe Group, Quincey served as president of the Northwest Europe & Nordics Business Unit (NWEN) from 2008 to 2012. He was president of the Mexico Division from 2005 to 2008. Quincey joined the company in Atlanta in 1996 as director of learning strategy for the Latin America Group, and went on to serve in a series of operational roles of increased responsibility in Latin America, leading to his appointment as president of the South Latin Division in 2003.
Concurrent to Quincey’s appointment, Ahmet Bozer, executive vice president and president of Coca-Cola International, will retire after a 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 Kent and the company on key strategic initiatives.
The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, is the world's largest beverage company, with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, its portfolio features 20 billion-dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia, Dasani, FUZE TEA and Del Valle. Globally, it is the leading provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees and juices and juice drinks.
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