US: Coca-Cola Enterprises lines up chief diversity officer

2 November 2009 | Source: just-drinks.com editorial team

Coca-Cola Enterprises has announced the appointment of a chief diversity officer.

The soft drinks bottler, which last week posted a lift in profits, despite slipping sales, in its third quarter, said on Friday (30 October) that Edward Lopez will assume the position with immediate effect.

Lopez, who was previously vice president of public affairs and communications, will oversee the company's global diversity initiatives, and will report to Pam Kimmet, senior vice president, human resources.

Prior to joining CCE in 2007, Lopez served on the New Mexico Governor's cabinet as cabinet secretary and superintendent of regulation and licensing. From 2000 to 2004, he was president of the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation's board of trustees.

"With more than 20 years of experience in the legal, public affairs and community relations arenas, Ed will build upon the work Coca-Cola Enterprises has done to ensure diversity remains an integral part of our culture, our approach with our customers, and our corporate responsibility and sustainability commitments," said company chairman and CEO, John Brock. "Ed will drive our global diversity strategy to ensure CCE continues to attract, develop and retain a highly talented and diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve."

Lopez also spent 15 years with the Bell Telephone System as corporate counsel and then vice president/general manager of operations in New Mexico.