Coca-Cola Names New President -- Sponsor Spotlight

(ATR) James Quincey has been chosen to lead the worldwide bottling and beverage company as president and chief operating officer.

Quincey has worked for Coca-Cola for 19 years and formerly served as president of the Europe group of Coca-Cola companies.

As such, Quincey helped facilitate the merger between three European Coca-Cola companies to create the world’s largest independent Coca-Cola bottling company which was finalized last week.

"I am excited and honored to take on this role and look forward to partnering with Muhtar and our talented senior leadership team to deliver on our 2020 Vision and help accelerate the strategic actions we've outlined to reinvigorate growth across our company and system worldwide," said Quincey.

The new president will report to chief executive officer and chairman Muhtar Kent.

"Over nearly two decades, James has built an impressive track record of strategic, operational and commercial accomplishments. He has proven to be a successful and trusted leader and brings to this position a strong reputation for developing people and inspiring teams," Kent said.

Australian Olympic Team Acquires Sweet Sponsor

Mondelez International is now the official chocolate, candy, biscuits and spreads partner of the Australian Olympic Team.

The U.S.-based multinational confectionery, food and beverage conglomerate will activate its sponsorship through leading brands including Cadbury, Oreo, Ritz, and Vegemite.

In a statement released on Thursday, Amanda Banfield, managing director Australia & New Zealand at Mondelez International, expressed the company’s excitement over the partnership.

"We’re absolutely thrilled to support the Australian Olympic Team - as a country and as a company."

"Our brands bring joy to millions of Australians every single day, and we are looking forward to our exciting partnership and celebrating our Australian Olympians competing at this iconic sporting event."

Australian Olympic Committee chief executive Fiona de Jong said, "In this partnership we have a very real, collaborative opportunity to make Olympic dreams come true for our young and talented Australian athletes, and help bring joy to their accomplishments."

The sponsorship announcement comes on the heels of one-year countdown celebrations in Rio.

Rio 2016 president Carlos Nuzman, Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes, and Brazil President Dilma Rousseff kicked off festivities in Rio on Aug. 5 at the Olympic Park to mark the occasion.

Written by Kevin Nutley and Nicole Bennett

20 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is AroundTheRings.com, for subscribers only.