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UNESDA Soft Drinks Europe has appointed Andrew McMillin, president of Western Europe operations at the Coca-Cola Company, as its new president.

McMillin will succeed the European soft drinks trade association’s outgoing president, Peter Harding, CEO of Suntory Beverage & Food International. Nicholas Hodac, UNESDA’s general director, said that McMillin joins at a time when UNESDA’s membership is growing, adding that he looks forward to working with McMillin to drive the sector’s actions forward.

Hodac continued: “I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to our outgoing President, Peter Harding…for his exceptional leadership and unwavering support during his tenure. Peter skillfully guided us through a very dynamic EU mandate, helping us to strengthen our strategic direction and constructive credentials. As we move forward, we will ensure continuity in this important work to realise our priorities.”

McMillin said he was honoured to lead UNESDA, commenting: “The soft drinks sector plays an important role in supporting the European economy by providing over 1.8 million direct and indirect jobs, and creating €242 billion in value across its supply chain. A recent report established the soft drinks industry is leading innovation in the food and beverage industry.”

“During my presidency I will advocate for enabling EU policies that can further advance our sector’s innovation potential to foster growth, sustainability and resilience for our industry and the European economy.”

McMillin said that he “welcomes the European Commission’s new focus on competitiveness and its commitment to increasing stakeholder dialogue, while keeping environmental sustainability as a cornerstone of its strategy”.

“Now more than ever it is imperative for the EU to implement science-based food policies that support consumers to adopt healthier diets while promoting fairness across the food supply chain,” he continued.

“I will be working closely with our network of dedicated members and stakeholders, to bring the evolving needs of our consumers and the day-to-day reality of our operations to the fore in policy discussions, to ensure EU policy making is future-proof.”

As president of West Europe operations for the Coca-Cola Company, McMillin is responsible for delivery of the P&L for the company’s full portfolio in the region. Prior to assuming this role, he was president and chief commercial officer for Coca-Cola’s North American operating unit.