Hendrik Steckhan, president of USA Operations for The Coca-Cola Co., has stepped down from his role and will retire from the company as of July 31.
Mr. Steckhan held various leadership positions within the company since he joined Coca-Cola in 1997. Prior to becoming president of USA Operations in January 2016, he was president of still beverages for Coca-Cola North America (CCNA). From 2010 to 2014, he was president of Coca-Cola’s German business, and before that, he was president of CCNA’s sparkling business unit from 2007 to 2010. Between 1997 and 2007, he held various roles in South America.
Mr. Steckhan’s retirement has initiated a leadership shuffle for CCNA.
“Our entire Coca-Cola North America team should be proud of the results we’ve achieved over the last few years,” said J. Alexander “Sandy” Douglas Jr., president of Coca-Cola North America. “Collectively, we’ve led CCNA to become the fastest-growing large consumer products business in North America. With the retirement of Hendrik Steckhan, we will now realign our leadership team with the goal of simplifying our structure as we continue to build on our great momentum.”
Stuart Kronauge has been named business unit president of USA Operations and senior vice-president of marketing for CCNA. In her new role, Ms. Kronauge will be responsible for both brand marketing and strategic marketing.
“By combining these organizations under Stuart, we hope to continue to strengthen the connection of our brands to our commercial and franchise leadership activities,” Mr. Douglas said.
Jim Dinkins will be the new president of the Minute Maid business unit, and he also will continue to lead national retail sales. He will be tasked with maintaining the positive trajectory of the Minute Maid business and strengthening the brand’s relationship with its consumers, Mr. Douglas said.
Allison Higbie has been named vice-president of the Minute Maid and Simply brands and will be promoted to vice-president and general manager of Juice. In addition to her current marketing role, she will also be responsible for juice strategy, innovation and Minute Maid commercial organizations.
Mel Landis is leaving his position as president of CCNA’s Minute Maid business unit and taking a new position as senior vice-president of business transformation for CCNA. In this role, Mr. Landis will lead a new initiative to focus on CCNA’s effectiveness and efficiency, the company said.
“We have a deep bench of talented executives at CCNA, and I have complete confidence that these changes will enable us to sustain and accelerate our growth,” Mr. Douglas said. “CCNA will play a critical role as The Coca-Cola Co. continues its transformation into a growth-oriented, consumer-centered total beverage company. The changes announced today will help us continue to excel in a marketplace that is fast-changing, highly complex and filled with great opportunities.”
By Rebekah Schouten
Source: Food Business News
Danone has appointed Carla Hilhorst to the newly created position of senior vice president of research and innovation categories and zones, as the company looks to make science the heart of its business. Hilhorst, who brings over 30 years of experience in research and innovation, will report directly to Isabelle Esser, Danone’s chief research, innovation, quality and food safety officer.
The move, part of Pernod Ricard’s strategy to enhance its premiumisation efforts, will allow the company to focus more resources on its portfolio of premium international spirits and champagne brands that drive the growth of its business. This decision aligns with the company’s commitment to delivering sustainable value for shareholders, employees, clients and partners.
Schai – who is the current CEO of Swiss chocolate company Lindt & Sprüngli’s Australian operation – has previously worked with Aryzta from 2015-2018, where he served in roles including managing director for Asia Pacific and global strategic business lead (McDonald’s). The fast-food giant McDonald’s is one of Aryzta’s significant clients.
