ATLANTA — The Coca-Cola Co. has announced a series of leadership appointments as part of its recently disclosed restructuring efforts. The company’s nine new operating units and five global category teams will be supported by the newly created platform services group. The changes will take effect Jan. 1, 2021, and were designed to streamline operations and reduce complexities.
Henrique Braun, currently president of the Brazil business unit, will become president of the new Latin America operating unit. Mr. Braun joined the company in 1996, progressing through roles of increasing responsibility in North America, Europe and Latin America in supply chain, new business development, marketing, innovation, general management and bottling operations. Prior to his most recent role, he led Coca-Cola’s Greater China and Korea business.
Nikos Koumettis, currently president of the Europe, Middle East and Africa group, will become president of the new Europe operating unit. He joined Coca-Cola in 2001 and previously was president of the company’s Central and Eastern Europe business unit, overseeing operations in 26 countries. He also was president of the Central and Southern Europe business.
Nancy Quan has been named chief technical and innovation officer, replacing chief innovation officer Robert Long, who plans to retire in February following a 17-year career with the company. Ms. Quan joined the company in 2007 and currently leads the technical and supply chain community, strategic ingredient procurement, flavor supply and manufacturing, commercial products supply, strategic supply chain, quality, safety and environment, scientific and regulator affairs, technical data intelligence and technical knowledge and skills. Following Mr. Long’s retirement, Coca-Cola is combining the innovation and technical functions.
Alfredo Rivera, formerly president of the Latin America group, has begun leading the new North America business unit. Bruno Pietracci, current president of the Africa and Middle East business unit, was named president of the new Africa business unit. The new Eurasia and Middle East business unit will be led by Evguenia Stoichkova, current president of the Turkey, Caucasus and Central Asia business unit. The new Japan and South Korea business unit will be led by Jorge Garduno, current president of the Japan business unit. Mohan Thati, current president of the South Pacific business unit, will take over as president of the new Greater China business unit. Claudia Lorenzo, who currently leads the ASEAN business unit, has been named president of the new ASEAN and South Pacific business unit. Sanket Ray, current chief operating officer for Mainland China, will become president of India and Southwest Asia.
Jennifer Mann will continue as president of Global Ventures, and Marcelo Boffi will continue to lead Bottling Investments. All operating leaders will report to Brian Smith, president and chief operating officer.
In addition to the nine new operating units, Coca-Cola announced leaders for four of the five new global category teams. Selman Careaga, president of the sparkling business unit for Coca-Cola North America, will lead the Coca-Cola category. Jasmin Vinculado, sparkling general manager for the Mexico business unit, will lead the Sparkling Flavors category. The Hydration, Sports, Coffee and Tea category will be overseen by Matrona Filippou, current president of the Southern and East Africa business unit. Sedef Salingan Sahin, current vice president of operations for the Europe, Middle East and Africa group, will lead the Nutrition, Juice, Dairy and Plant category. A leader will be announced later for Emerging categories. The global category leaders will report to Manolo Arroyo, chief marketing officer of Coca-Cola.