PRESS RELEASE OF THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
Published on July 2, 2008
EXHIBIT
99.1
Media
Relations Department
P.O. Box
1734, Atlanta, Georgia 30301
Telephone
(404) 676-2121
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Dana Bolden
(404)
676-2683
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
TRANSITION
FINALIZED AT THE COCA-COLA
COMPANY
ATLANTA, July 1, 2008 – The
Coca-Cola Company today completed its executive leadership transition as Muhtar
Kent officially became the Company’s new chief executive officer.
Kent, 55,
follows Neville Isdell, 65, who will remain chairman of the Board through the
Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareowners in April 2009. Kent remains president of
the Company.
Speaking
for the Coca-Cola Board of Directors, Presiding Director James D. Robinson III
thanked Isdell for his years of service, applauded the orderly transition and
expressed enthusiasm for Kent’s appointment.
“The
Board recognizes Neville’s significant achievements and we look forward to
working with him as our chairman through April 2009. Neville and the rest of the
Board now look to Muhtar to take The Coca-Cola Company to the next level of
success,” said Robinson. “This has been a very smooth and transparent leadership
transition, which speaks well for the health and future of The Coca-Cola
Company. Neville has done an outstanding job bringing The Coca-Cola Company back
to fighting form. We have full confidence in Muhtar as CEO and in his intense
focus on continuing to win in the marketplace. His blend of operational
excellence, vision and dynamic leadership are exactly what our Company
needs.”
The Coca-Cola Company is the world’s largest beverage company,
refreshing consumers with more than 450 sparkling and still brands. Along with
Coca-Cola®,
-
more-
recognized
as the world’s most valuable brand, the Company’s portfolio includes
12 other
billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke®, Fanta®, Sprite®, Coca-Cola
Zero®, vitaminwater®, PowerAde®, Minute Maid® and Georgia Coffee®. Globally, we
are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and
ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world’s largest beverage
distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company’s
beverages at a rate of 1.5 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment
to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that
protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development
of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company,
please visit our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.
###