ATLANTA — In an effort to streamline its focus and expedite its refranchising to independent bottling partners, the Coca-Cola Co. will be split into two operating units on Jan. 1: Coca-Cola North America and Coca-Cola Refreshment, the bottling operations of North America.
“Today’s announcement represents the next step in the evolution of the business announced last year when the company consolidated leadership of its global operations under the Bottling Investments Group, Coca-Cola International and Coca-Cola Americas,” said Muhtar Kent, chairman and chief executive officer, The Coca-Cola Co., in a statement. “We organized the business to intensify focus on key markets, streamline reporting lines and provide flexibility to adjust the business within these geographies in the future.”
Coca-Cola North America will be led by J.A.M. “Sandy” Douglas, who will serve as group vice president, reporting to Kent. Douglas will also continue his role as global chief customer officer.
North America Brands, Foodservice, Brand Commercial, Retail Sales, Research & Development, Venturing and Emerging Brands, Strategy, Franchise Leadership and Transformation and the Canadian franchise operations will report to Douglas.
Paul Mulligan, currently head of Commercial for the Bottling Investments Group (BIG) and region director responsible for Japan and Latin America BIG operations, will lead Coca-Cola Refreshment (CCR) as president, and report to Irial Finan, president of BIG.
Steve Cahillane, president of Coca-Cola Americas, will leave the company to pursue other opportunities, according to Coca-Cola.
The Coca-Cola Americas operating structure will cease to exist. The Latin America Group, led by Group President Brian Smith, will become part of Coca-Cola International. Smith will report to Ahmet Bozer, President of Coca-Cola International.
Read more: Coca-Cola Wins 2013 Supplier Leadership Award
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