Barry Simpson, the Coca-Cola Co.
Barry Simpson, currently head of global business unit I.T. services for Coca-Cola, has been promoted to c.i.o.

ATLANTA — Barry Simpson, currently head of global business unit I.T. services for the Coca-Cola Co., has been promoted to chief information officer, effective immediately. In his new role, Mr. Simpson will oversee the company’s global information technology strategy, services and operations.

Mr. Simpson joined the Coca-Cola system in 2008 as group c.i.o. of the Coca-Cola Amatil Group, a Coca-Cola bottler based in Sydney, Australia. He joined the Coca-Cola Co. in Atlanta in January 2016. Before Coca-Cola, Mr. Simpson held various I.T. leadership roles for Colgate-Palmolive, based in Australia, Malaysia and the United States, from 1990-2008.

“Given the significant amount of change under way as we transform our business for the future, it’s important that we have an I.T. function positioned to protect our information technology and accelerate our growth around the world,” said James Quincey, president and chief operating officer of the Coca-Cola Co. “Barry’s proven experience leading change will ensure the I.T. function is a partner in driving innovation, simplification and efficiency to create value for our customers and consumers, and, importantly, create a better experience for our employees.”

Mr. Simpson succeeds previous c.i.o. Ed Steinike, who died earlier this year after a brief illness. Mr. Simpson has served as Coca-Cola’s interim c.i.o. during this period.