Ware promoted, will stay at Coke.In wake of legal problems, soft drink company holds on to top executive Nearly two months after his surprising retirement announcement, Carl H. Ware, the highest-ranking black executive at the Coca-Cola Co., has reconsidered his decision. He has opted to head the corporation's new international public and governmental affairs division. Coke President and COO Douglas Daft Douglas N. Daft (born 1943 in Cessnock, New South Wales) is an Australian businessman. He graduated from the University of New England in Armidale, New South Wales in 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Mathematics. He was CEO of Coca-Cola (2000 - 2004). made the announcement in January while praising Ware for his service to the company. Ware was to depart the Atlanta-based beverage company at the end of 2000, but will now remain as senior manager of the new Global Public Affairs Those public information, command information, and community relations activities directed toward both the external and internal publics with interest in the Department of Defense. Also called PA. See also command information; community relations; public information. and Administration division. "I'm delighted by this new opportunity to serve the company to which I've devoted 26 years," Ware said in a statement. Currently senior vice president and president of the company's African operations group, Ware is expected to be elected executive vice president by the company's board of directors. The 56-year-old Ware will be responsible for global communications, government relations, corporate external affairs and corporate services--the day-to-day operation of facilities that include those in Atlanta, New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of and Washington, D.C. In his new position, Ware will maintain strategic oversight of African operations once a new group president is named. "Carl's principal role is to ensure that the Coca-Cola Co. continues to be welcome around the world, and that we apply `community' and `neighbor' equally to those who live next door or on the next continent," said Daft when making the announcement. "We must think locally and act locally, and no one understands that better than Carl." Immediate reaction from industry analysts suggested that retaining Ware would boost the embattled company, which is embroiled em·broil tr.v. em·broiled, em·broil·ing, em·broils 1. To involve in argument, contention, or hostile actions: "Avoid . . . in controversy both abroad and domestically. Most recently, France blocked Coke's $733 million offer to take over Orangina drink products, citing the threat of monopoly, and Italy fined Coke $16.1 million for other market dominance Market dominance is a measure of the strength of a brand, product, service, or firm, relative to competitive offerings. There is often a geographic element to the competitive landscape. abuses. Meanwhile, at home, Coke is currently defending itself in a class-action racial discrimination lawsuit filed in April 1999 by a group of current and former black employees. The group claims it was paid less than white employees, was systematically passed over for promotions and was given less favorable job-performance evaluations as far back as 1995. Robert Baskin, spokesperson for Coca-Cola, and other company officials would not comment on the case, which is still in litigation An action brought in court to enforce a particular right. The act or process of bringing a lawsuit in and of itself; a judicial contest; any dispute. When a person begins a civil lawsuit, the person enters into a process called litigation. . In addition to its ongoing legal problems, the Coca-Cola Co. is in an ongoing baffle with competitors such as the Pepsi Co. to increase its market share. And considering the fact that African Americans make up such a large share of the cola drinking market, it's no wonder Coke would like to retain some sort of African American presence at its upper management level. Whether competitors such as Pepsi will follow this example remains to be seen at this point. But according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. Target Market News' sixth annual report, "The Buying Power Buying Power The money an investor has available to buy securities. In a margin account, the buying power is the total cash held in the brokerage account plus maximum margin available. Also referred to as "Excess Equity. of Black America," African Americans spent $835 million on various colas in 1998. So both companies may want to reevaluate. Indeed, Ware's continued presence at the company is considered by some to be a major coup for the troubled beverage bottling company--and for Daft, the designated successor to the chairman and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. posts. Ware's retention could improve Coke's global standing. Daft was named Douglas Ivester's successor after Nester nest·er n. 1. One, such as a bird, that nests. 2. Western U.S. A squatter, homesteader, or farmer who settles in cattle-grazing territory. Noun 1. announced his retirement in early December 1999. Some suggest it was Ware's retirement that might have contributed to Ivester's decision to leave. Ware is also co-chairman of the company's Diversity Advisory Council, which was formed last spring after the discrimination suit was filed. |
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