Coke’s Lee to become Euro RSCG’s North American head

One of Coca-Cola’s most senior marketers Esther Lee is leaving to run Euro RSCG North America. Lee, Coke’s chief creative officer, will become the network’s first chief executive for North America and president of global brands.
Lee’s departure follows that of Coke’s vice-president of marketing strategy and innovation Mary Minnick, whose resignation in January led to a restructure of the company’s marketing department. It is thought that Minnick left after being overlooked for the chief operating officer role, which went to Muhtar Kent.
In her new role, Lee will oversee Euro RSCG’s 23 offices and 3,00 staff in the US and Canada and report to the network’s worldwide chief executive David Jones.
Before joining Coca-Cola, Lee ran her own agency DiNoto Lee. She is credited with developing the “Coke Side of Life” slogan at the soft drinks giant.
Lee worked closely with former Mother strategy director Jonathan Mildenhall, who joined Coke last year as vice-president of marketing communications management.