Coca-Cola appoints James Quincey as president and COO

The Coca-Cola Company has announced the appointment of James Quincey as its president and chief operating officer (COO), effective immediately.

As president and COO, Quincey will have responsibility for all of Coca-Cola’s operating units worldwide and will report directly to chairman and chief executive officer Muhtar Kent. 50-year-old Quincey has been with Coca-Cola for 19 years and, since 2013, had served as president of Coca-Cola’s Europe Group, which covers 38 countries in all.

Under Quincey’s leadership, the Europe Group “strategically expanded its brand portfolio and improved execution across the geography,” Coca-Cola said. These actions helped drive solid topline growth and expanded the company’s position in non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages despite volatile and prolonged macroeconomic challenges.

Coca-Cola chairman and chief executive officer Muhtar Kent said: “Over nearly two decades, James has built an impressive track record of strategic, operational and commercial accomplishments. 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 added: “I am excited and honoured 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.”

Ahmet Bozer will also retire from his role as executive vice president of Coca-Cola and president of Coca-Cola International.