Coke Names New President

By George Anderson

Coca-Cola
has announced that its Board of Directors has elected Steven J. Heyer to be
the company’s president and chief operating officer. Mr. Heyer was president
and chief operating officer, Coca-Cola Ventures and Coca-Cola Latin America.

Doug Daft, chairman and chief executive officer, Coca-Cola said in a prepared statement, “Over the past 18 months, Steve has brought a fresh and objective perspective that has been enormously helpful to all of us while, at the same time, embracing and learning from the rich historic culture of Coca-Cola. This combination uniquely qualifies him for this key position.”

Before joining Coca-Cola, Mr. Heyer was president and chief operating officer at the Turner Broadcasting unit of AOL Time Warner.

Moderator’s Comment: Two Questions–

1. How can companies guard against the downside of
   group think and speak?


2. Does it require bringing in outsiders such as Steven
   Heyer in the case of Coca-Cola to prevent this from happening?

In Mr. Heyer’s case, being from outside Coke has proven
to be a benefit. [George
Anderson – Moderator]

• STEVE
  HEYER NAMED COCA COLA PRESIDENT-COO – AdAge.com