Brian Smith to become new president and COO at Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola has also unveiled key changes (click HERE) in its leadership team, electing EMEA president Brian Smith as group president and COO, effective January 1, 2019, and Asia Pac president John Murphy as EVP and CFO on March 16, 2019.
“While we don't expect Mr Smith to eventually succeed Mr Quincey as CEO, as Mr. Smith is currently in his 60s, we believe his promotion will enable [CEO James] Quincey to pivot his focus towards Coca-Cola’s long term strategic priorities, including stepped-up M&A …” said Wells Fargo in a note to investors.
“Additionally, we expect both Mr Smith and Mr Murphy to bring significant international expertise to their new roles given their respective backgrounds, enabling Coca-Cola to further build out its global operations in key geographies including China, where we see significant long term growth potential."