The Coca-Cola Company appoints Julie Hamilton as Chief Customer and Commercial Leadership Officer

As Chief Customer and Commercial Leadership Officer, Ms. Hamilton will lead a worldwide organization responsible for growing sales and profits with more than 20 million customers who serve Coca-Cola beverages to 1.9 billion consumers a day in more than 200 countries.  She will work closely with and support the Company’s global customer partners while building commercial strategies and customer capabilities across the global system.

“Julie brings a deep appreciation and understanding of our global customers and the strategies we must execute in the market every day to ensure that our customers, our bottling partners and our Company all thrive and grow,” Kent said.  “This is a key role that requires exceptional leadership, and I know Julie will approach it with all of the passion, energy and commitment that she continuously demonstrates in everything she does.”

The Chief Customer role was previously led by J. Alexander (Sandy) M. Douglas Jr., in addition to his position as President of Coca-Cola North America.

Ms. Hamilton is currently Kent’s Executive Assistant, a role she has held since 2011.  Prior to this role, she was President of the Global Wal-Mart Group, responsible for leading the Company’s relationship with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. around the world.

Ms. Hamilton joined The Coca-Cola Company in 1996 and has held a variety of sales, marketing and operational positions including Group Vice President North America Wal-Mart Team, Vice President Global Customer Development, Group Director for Global On-Premise Customers, Director of Franchise Sales & Marketing-Northwest US Region, Group Manager for the Worldwide Marketing Partnership with Blockbuster and Brand Development Manager of Still Beverages.

Ms. Hamilton studied at London’s Imperial College of Science & Economics and has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and marketing from the University of Missouri.

The Company also announced that Susan Gambardella will assume the role of Executive Assistant to Kent, effective Jan. 1.  Ms. Hamilton and Ms. Gambardella will work together closely during a three-month transition period. 

Ms. Gambardella is currently Vice-President of the Wendy’s Global Account Team for Coca-Cola Refreshments. Prior to this assignment she successfully led Coca-Cola North America’s Integrated Marketing team responsible for media and interactive, digital platforms, sports and entertainment, national programs and region assets.  She also has held the position of Zone Vice President – Central for Coca-Cola FoodService, where she was responsible for managing sales and cross-functional customer relationships in 20 states in the Central U.S.

Ms. Gambardella joined The Coca-Cola Company as a FoodService Account Executive in New York in 1992 and was promoted to roles of increasing responsibility including Director Area Sales, Area Vice President, Vice President of National Accounts, and Zone Vice President.

She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut and executive education certifications from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.