Kelly has served the company for more than 42 years and has held a number of positions within the legal division. He has served as Senior Counsel for the Pacific Group, Middle and Far East Group, and International Operations. In 2004 he stepped into the role of general counsel and in 2005 he was appointed to his current post, of senior vice president and general counsel.
Kelly will remain with The Coca-Cola Company in the role of senior vice president through February to ensure a smooth transition for Goepelt, who has already taken on duties in his new role as senior vice president, general counsel, and chief legal counsel.
Goepelt, a native of Germany, has been with The Coca-Cola Company since 1992. He initially joined the company's German Division as legal counsel and has since worked with the company in a number of other positions. He has served as Legal Counsel for the Middle and Far East Group; Division Counsel for the Southeast and West Asia Division, Thailand; and Group Counsel for Central Europe, Eurasia and the Middle East, and Pacific Groups. He has alsoserved as an associate general counsel, working from the company's headquarters in Atlanta.
In his new role, Goepelt will report directly to Coca-Cola's Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Alex Cummings.
“Bernhard brings to the role comprehensive knowledge of our system, strong global legal expertise and a passion for developing a legacy of talent for the future. We wish Bernhard the best of success in his new role,” said Muhtar Kent, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company.
As the largest beverage company in the world, The Coca-Cola Company offers more than 500 sparkling and still brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, and more. Coca-Cola serves customers in more than 200 countries.
