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"I’m excited about this opportunity to take Skinny Water to the next level,” said Wilson. “In less than six months, Skinny Water has been embraced by millions of customers who are searching for great-tasting flavoured water that provides functional benefits – and most importantly, zero calories and zero sugar. As we go forward, we’ll expand our flavour offerings and look to use the Skinny trademark in other beverage categories, such as ready to drink teas and coffees."
Wilson brings with him more than 38 years in the beverage industry. He began his career in the soft drinks industry in 1969 as a route salesman for Pepsi-Cola, and worked his way up to branch manager. He joined the Coca-Cola system in 1977 as a financial analyst with Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New York.
Over the years, he held various positions within Coca-Cola Bottling Company, rising from division manager to vice president/general manager of the New Jersey division.
In 1985, he became the president and chief operating officer of The Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company. He led the company to become the fourth largest Coca-Cola bottler in the country. While at the helm, he was also president of the Coca-Cola Bottlers’ Association and a vice president of the Dr Pepper Bottlers’ Association.
In October 2008, Ron Wilson was inducted into the Beverage World Soft Drink Hall of Fame.
"The appointment of Ron Wilson as the President and CEO represents the transition of the company from the start-up phase to a growth and operational phase,” said Don McDonald, former president and CEO of Skinny Nutritional Corp. “Ron’s experience and leadership will be invaluable, and we know he’ll take the company to new levels of profitability.”
McDonald will now serve as chief financial officer of Skinny Nutritional Corp, and will focus on investor relations to introduce the company to a variety of institutional bankers.
“Ron Wilson’s tenacity for detail and years of beverage experience brings the financial disciplines and leadership to build the Skinny brand into a beverage powerhouse,” said Pat Croce, member of the board of advisers. “As an emerging company, it’s a real triumph to get a veteran executive of this magnitude to join our company.”