Coca-Cola promotes Europe exec to COO

New York

COCA-COLA Co promoted James Quincey to chief operating officer, setting up the 19-year company veteran as a potential successor to chief executive officer Muhtar Kent.

Mr Quincey, 50, will have responsibility for all of Coca-Cola's operating units worldwide and will report directly to Mr Kent, the Atlanta-based company said on Thursday in a statement. The appointment is effective immediately.