According to an internal memo distributed to Coca-Cola employees by Joe Tripodi, chief marketing and commercial officer, the new structure will drive greater integration, simplicity and speed; increase the focus and impact of the team's work on a worldwide basis; and facilitate rapid scaling and spreading of programs and ideas.
"The new structure establishes a single point of leadership accountability, increases the holistic, end-to-end thinking for building global brands and integrates teams for added speed and responsiveness," Mr. Tripodi wrote in the memo. He noted that the Global Sparkling Brand Center is not unlike the Global Juice Center, which was established in 2008.
Ms. Clark has led global integrated marketing communications and capabilities since joining Coca-Cola in 2008 from AT&T.
"Wendy's rich experiences and demonstrated leadership, collaboration, strategic thinking and creativity make her uniquely qualified for this critical new leadership role," Mr. Tripodi wrote.
The changes come in the wake of the departure of Shay Drohan, senior VP-global sparkling brands. He has decided to "pursue new entrepreneurial opportunities" according to a second internal memo. Mr. Drohan spent 15 years with the company in a variety of global marketing roles. He will not be replaced, given the new structure consolidates his role under Ms. Clark.
The memo also notes the creation of a Business Services Center, which will be led by John Hackett, who currently leads marketing, as well as the customer and commercial teams for the Pacific Group. The Global Commercial Leadership organization will now be led by Tom Boyle, who has been in the role of VP-commercial execution.
