BBC News | BUSINESS | Coke president says that's it

The president of Coca-Cola has resigned to allow the drinks giant to complete the latest in a series of strategic shake-ups.

Jack Stahl, who was also chief operating officer, has stood down after 20 years at Coca Cola, the world's largest soft drinks firm.

The move will allow the firm to implement a restructuring which, "to meet the changing needs of consumers everywhere", will see the creation of three business units based around geographical areas, plus a "new business ventures" division.

"The new structure is what the Coca-Cola company needs for a new century," said chairman and chief executive Douglas Daft.

Jack Stahl: "New challenges and opportunities"

But, following discussions of the shake-up, Mr Stahl concluded "he wanted to seek leadership challenges elsewhere", Mr Daft added.

Mr Stahl, appointed to his current positions last April, said: "The time has come for me to pursue new challenges and opportunities."

The restructuring comes days after Coca-Cola sealed a marketing tie up with Walt Disney in an effort to raise sales of non-carbonated drinks.

And two weeks ago Coca-Cola announced it was setting up a juice and snack company, with annual sales of $4bn, with consumer products group Procter & Gamble.


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