Coca-Cola Names Kent as President
Coca-Cola has named International Operations Chief Muhtar Kent as the company’s new president and chief operating officer, effective immediately.
Kent takes the company’s No. 2 position and reports to Chief Executive Officer Neville Isdell. In his new role, will be responsible for Coca-Cola’s operating units worldwide.
The post had been vacant since 2004 when Coke’s former chief operating officer, Steve Heyer, left after being passed over in favor of for the top job, news reports said.
“Our full executive leadership team is focused on driving financial and reputational growth for the company. Without doubt, Muhtar is a man of the highest integrity and deepest skills,” Isdell said in a statement. “He will put his skills to work accelerating the on-the-ground execution of our key value-building priorities in each of the more than 200 countries where we do business.”
Kent joined the Atlanta-based company in 1978 and in a variety of marketing and operations roles. In 2005, Kent worked as president and chief operating officer of the North Asia, Eurasia and Middle East Group. He became president of Coca-Cola International in January. During that time, Kent was credited with improving the company’s profile around the world.
