PRESS RELEASE OF THE COCA-COLA COMPANY DATED DECEMBER 11, 2008
Published on December 16, 2008
Exhibit
99.1
FOR
IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
Contact: Dana
Bolden
(404)
676-2683
THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
ANNOUNCES NEVILLE ISDELL
WILL NOT STAND FOR
RE-ELECTION TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS;
BOARD INTENDS TO ELECT
MUHTAR KENT AS CHAIRMAN
ATLANTA, Dec.11, 2008 – The
Coca-Cola Company announced today that it received a letter from its Chairman of
the Board, Neville Isdell, confirming that, consistent with the succession plan
announced in December 2007, he will not stand for re-election to the Board of
Directors at the April 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareowners. James D. Robinson
III, Presiding Director of The Coca-Cola Company, also announced that the Board
intends to elect President and Chief Executive Officer Muhtar Kent to succeed
Mr. Isdell as Chairman of the Board following the April Annual Meeting of
Shareowners.
“I have
always believed that well-conceived and well-executed succession planning is a
vital responsibility of public company boards,” said Mr. Isdell. “We met that
responsibility when we announced one year ago just such a plan, including
placing the future leadership of the Company in the experienced and talented
hands of Muhtar Kent, who is providing outstanding leadership as he manages both
for today and tomorrow.”
About
The Coca-Cola Company
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, 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 Web site at
www.thecoca-colacompany.com.
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