Coca Cola elevates Atul Singh to head Pacific group operations

New Delhi: Beverages giant Coca Cola today announced significant changes in its organisational structure,promoting India and West Asia CEO and President, Atul Singh, as Deputy President of the company's Pacific Group with effect from July 1.

As a result of elevation, Singh would now be responsible for the Greater China Korea (GC&K) and India and Southwest Asia (INSWA) Business Units, Coca Cola said in a statement The company further said Venkatesh Kini, currently Senior Vice President (Operations) India region has been elevated as Deputy Business Unit President, India and South West Asia n(INSWA) Business Unit.

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"Atul Singh, currently President and CEO, India and South West Asia BU (business unit), will take over as Deputy President, Pacific Group. In his new role, he will have responsibility over the Greater China and Korea (GC&K) and India and Southwest Asia (INSWA) Business Units," Coca Cola said in a statement. Singh's focus will largely be on the Greater China besides the Korea Business Unit which also includes Taiwan, Mongolia and Hong Kong and Macau.

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The company said there was enormous growth opportunities in China, with its uniquely competitive beverage landscape. Singh is the first Indian to rise to such a senior level position in global structure of the Atlanta-based beverages major, which had clocked a total turnover of USD 48 billion in 2012.

Under his leadership, the India operations registered 27 consecutive quarters of growth out of which 19 have been quarters of double-digit growth. He has led the INSWA Business Unit, comprising key markets India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives Coca Cola for nearly eight years, the statement said.

"Singh will continue to report to Coca-Cola International President Ahmet Bozer," the company said. Commenting on Kini's elevation, the company said: "In his new role, Venkatesh will have oversight for all the Business Unit's operations and functional leadership. The entire senior functional leadership of the INSWA Business Unit will now report to Venkatesh Kini." Kini will continue to report to Atul Singh, the company said.

Before taking over as the Senior Vice President, India Operations, Kini served as the Vice President Marketing for Global Juice, based in Atlanta. The company said there were no changes in the organisation structure at Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt.

Further, as part of the upgraded focus on the company's mainland China business, David Brooks, current GC&K Business Unit President, will assume a new leadership role as Chairman, GC&K, the company said."In this role, David will manage the GC&K BU's Public Affairs and Communications and Sustainability functions, in addition to continuing to oversee the BU's operations in Korea, Taiwan, Mongolia and Hong Kong & Macau," it added.

David, who will report to Singh, will also play a key role in partnering with the company's mergers and acquisition team as it continues to expand portfolio and develop business in China, the company said. Coca Cola sells a variety of both carbonated and non-carbonated drinks in India, including Coca Cola, Thums Up, Sprite, Maaza and Minute Maid.

PTI