Muhtar Kent would now resign from his role as chief executive in May 1, 2017, to be succeeded by James Quincey, the beverage company’s president and operating chief.
Congratulations to James Quincey, @CocaColaCo’s next CEO. There is no one more capable of leading our company into the future
— Muhtar Kent (@MuhtarKent) December 9, 2016
Mr. Kent has been chief executive since 2008 and will remain chairman of the Board of Directors.
As chief executive, Mr. Kent has made moves to diversify Coke beyond soda, spearheading the company’s $4.1 billion acquisition of Energy Brands Inc.—maker of Vitaminwater and Smartwater—in 2007 before becoming CEO.
