Business

Coke cans heir-presumptive in consolidation move

Coca-Cola is shuffling its executive ranks and organizational structure at its North America business, which has struggled with a decline in soda sales.

The world’s biggest beverage maker said Thursday that Steve Cahillane, president of Coca-Cola Americas, who was once seen as a contender to succeed CEO Muhtar Kent, has left the company.

Coca-Cola said it would divide its North American business into two units, as part of its plan to return to a franchise model instead of owning bottlers.

The company said the division will result in two operating units, Coca-Cola North America and Coca-Cola Refreshments, beginning Jan. 1.

The  North America division will be led by J. A. M. “Sandy” Douglas. He will continue in his role as global chief customer officer.

Paul Mulligan will lead Coca-Cola Refreshments, the bottling division of the business, the company said. He is currently the head of Commercial for Bottling Investments Group (BIG) and Region Director responsible for Japan and Latin America BIG operations.

Coke said in April it would return toward a franchise model in the United States, where independent companies will deliver the drinks to local stores.