Marketing chief at Coke bottler quits

Coca-Cola Enterprises’ (CCE) marketing director Norman Brodie is to step down from the role with immediate effect, despite a successor not yet being in place.

CCE exclusively markets, distributes and produces bottled and canned soft drinks for the Coca-Cola Company and its subsidiaries worldwide.

Brodie has been in the role since May 2002, having begun his CCE career in March 1998.

A CCE spokeswoman, who would not confirm whether he will remain permanently within the company, says: “We can confirm that Norman Brodie, marketing director of CCE, has been seconded to a project with immediate effect. We hope to make an announcement about Norman’s replacement in due course.”

Brodie was previously head of category development at CCE. He took the role in October 2001 when David Wallwork left with other CCE and Coke executives to set up the independent Feel Good Drinks company. Within months, Brodie succeeded Ian Deste as CCE marketing director.

A source close to Coca-Cola describes the role of marketing director at CCE as “crucial”, saying: “The relationship between the Coke marketing director and the CCE marketing director is the key to controlling the natural tension between the two separate companies.”

Separately, Coca-Cola has appointed [rising star] Muhtar Kent, seen as a potential future Coke chairman and chief executive, to the newly created post of president of its international operations.

He was previously president and chief operating officer of the North Asia, Eurasia and Middle East group.