Coca-Cola picks Liverpool University graduate as chief executive
A LIVERPOOL University graduate has proven he is the real thing after being named as the next chief executive of Coca-Cola.
James Quincey, who read electrical engineering in the 1980s, will replace current boss Mujtar Kent, who will continue as chairman.
In an interview last year, Quincey recalled his time studying in Liverpool.
“What I found was there were people who were better at designing semiconductors than me, and I was really good at business,” he said. “So when I left Liverpool, I joined Bain, which was an emerging consulting company at the time.”
It is the culmination of a 20-year career with the global drinks giant which has seen him have senior roles in South America, Europe and at the company’s headquarters in Atlanta, USA, where he is currently chief operating officer. Quincey will begin his new role on May 1.
Quincey said: “I am truly honored and humbled to lead this great company into the future.
“Muhtar has been a catalyst for change at The Coca-Cola Company – driving the transformation of our global bottling system, expanding our product portfolio and making sustainability a business imperative.”
His appointment was welcomed by Warren Buffett, chairman of major Coca-Cola shareholder Berkshire Hathaway, who said: “I know James and like him, and believe the company has made a smart investment in its future with his selection.”
