James Quincey
Born 1965 · Age 61
British businessman; long-time Coca‑Cola executive. Joined Coca‑Cola in 1996; served in a series of international leadership roles; became President & COO (2015), CEO (May 2017) and Chairman (April 2019).
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Life & Career Timeline
Moved to Hanover, New Hampshire (childhood)
Lived in Hanover, NH for three years while his father lectured at Dartmouth College.
Family moved to Birmingham, England
By age five the family had moved to Birmingham where he spent childhood years.
Started at King Edward's School, Birmingham (approx.)
Attended the private King Edward's School, Birmingham (secondary education). Exact years not specified; estimated start ~age 11.
Matriculated at University of Liverpool (approx.)
Estimated start of undergraduate electronic engineering studies leading to 1986 BEng(Hons).
Graduated BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering, University of Liverpool
Received bachelor's degree in electronic engineering from University of Liverpool (graduated 1986).
Began consulting career (Bain & Co and small consultancy)
After graduation he worked at Bain & Co and a smaller consultancy early in his career (years approximate).
Partner at The Kalchas Group (approx.)
Served as a partner in strategy consulting at The Kalchas Group (a spinoff of Bain & Company and McKinsey) prior to Coca‑Cola. Exact start year not provided; estimated mid-1990s.
Joined The Coca‑Cola Company
Joined Coca‑Cola in Atlanta in 1996 as Director, Learning Strategy for the Latin America Group.
Relocated/resided in Latin America for Coke roles (ongoing)
Lived and worked in Latin America as part of a series of operational roles; exact dates spanned late 1990s–2000s.
Appointed President, South Latin Division
Promoted to lead Coca‑Cola's South Latin Division (appointed 2003).
Appointed President, Mexico Division
Served as President of Coca‑Cola's Mexico division from 2005 to 2008; oversaw portfolio expansion.
Re‑launch of Coca‑Cola Zero in Mexico (led)
During tenure as Mexico President he led the relaunch of Coca‑Cola Zero as part of portfolio expansion.
Led acquisition of Jugos del Valle (Mexico region)
While President of Mexico, he led Coca‑Cola's acquisition of Jugos del Valle (acquisition date within his 2005–2008 tenure).
Became President, Northwest Europe & Nordics (NWEN)
Appointed President of the Northwest Europe & Nordics business unit, serving 2008–2012.
Led acquisition of innocent (juice brand)
As NWEN President he led the acquisition of innocent juice in 2009; innocent grew into a major brand under Coca‑Cola's umbrella.
Innocent brand became a large growth brand under his leadership
After acquisition in 2009, innocent was noted as on its way to becoming a billion‑dollar brand (sold in many countries).
Completed NWEN tenure (2008–2012)
Concluded leadership of Northwest Europe & Nordics after four years; left behind stronger brand portfolio and market share improvements.
Appointed President, Europe Group
Became President of Coca‑Cola's Europe Group (2013–2015); expanded portfolio and improved market share across 38 countries.
Oversaw Europe Group improvements (market share & portfolio expansion)
Under Quincey's leadership the Europe Group expanded its brand portfolio and improved market share across the region.
Instrumental in merger to create Coca‑Cola European Partners
Played a key role in the proposed merger of Coca‑Cola Enterprises, Coca‑Cola Iberian Partners and Coca‑Cola Erfrischungsgetranke AG to form Coca‑Cola European Partners (timing while he led Europe Group).
Named President and Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Promoted to President and COO of The Coca‑Cola Company (served 2015–2017). Announced a plan to organize brands into five category clusters and restructured management.
Media coverage and leadership profile
Profiled widely (Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Bloomberg) after becoming President & COO; public statements on risk culture and startup investments.
Announced as CEO-designate (to succeed Muhtar Kent)
Coca‑Cola announced in December 2016 that Quincey would succeed Muhtar Kent as CEO in 2017.
Publicly prioritized investing in startups and diversification
As CEO he indicated intentions to accelerate investments in startups and diversify Coca‑Cola's portfolio.
Became Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Coca‑Cola
Assumed the role of CEO in May 2017 when Muhtar Kent retired; launched plans to reinvigorate growth and change company risk culture.
Announced reduction of ~1,200 corporate positions
One of his first acts as CEO was to reduce approximately 1,200 corporate positions to free resources for products, marketing and restore growth.
Spoke at Meridian Global Leadership Summit
Participated in Meridian's Global Leadership Summit (6th Annual) on October 20, 2017; discussed leadership and risk management.
Launched 'Recycle a Bottle for Every Bottle Sold by 2030' pledge
Announced Coca‑Cola's goal to recycle a bottle for every one it sells by 2030 as part of sustainability commitments.
Named Director of Pfizer Inc and Board Member of The Consumer Goods Forum (listed)
Corporate biography lists Quincey as a director of Pfizer Inc and a board member of The Consumer Goods Forum; also a founding member of the NYSE Board Advisory Council. Exact appointment dates not specified in source.
Elected Chairman of the Board, The Coca‑Cola Company
On 24 April 2019 James Quincey was elected Chairman of the Board in addition to being CEO.
Announced discontinuation of slower‑selling brands (e.g., Tab, Zico)
In December 2021 Quincey announced Coca‑Cola would discontinue many slower selling products such as Tab and Zico coconut water.
Reported total compensation of $24.7M for the year
In 2023 Quincey's total compensation from Coca‑Cola was reported as $24.7 million; noted as 1,799 times the median employee pay at Coca‑Cola for that year.
Presented custom Diet Coke bottle to President Donald Trump
In 2025 Quincey gifted President Donald Trump the Coca‑Cola company's first custom Diet Coke bottle to honor his inauguration (reported January 2025).
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