US: Coca-Cola to merge Eurasia, Africa divisions

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 6 June 2008

The Coca-Cola Co is to merge its Eurasia and Africa operations and create a new chief administrative officer position to oversee several back-office operations, according to reports.

In a memo to employees, the company said today (6 June) that Alex Cummings, the current president of the Africa group, will take up the new role.

Coca-Cola chief executive Muhtar Kent said he also plans to nominate Cummings as executive vice president at its board meeting next month.

In his chief administrative officer role, the company said, Cummings will oversee the company's legal, public affairs and communications and human resources operations, among other responsibilities.

Ahmet Bozer, the president of the current Eurasia group, will be the president of the new Eurasia and Africa group, according to reports yesterday.

The company will also move its Adriatic and Balkans business unit from the Eurasia group to the Europe division.

The company said the restructuring should help the company "sharpen our internal focus on the marketplace with greater speed, productivity and effectiveness."

The changes will take effect from 1 July.

Sectors: Soft drinks, Water

Companies: Coca-Cola Co