BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA – June 2, 2016 – Today, Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Inc., (“UNITED”), headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, proudly announces that, effective June 1, 2016, Mike Suco will serve as the Vice President of the East Region for Coca-Cola UNITED.

In his new role, Mike has accepted the leadership responsibilities for sales and distribution within UNITED’s current Georgia and South Carolina territory, which includes:  Augusta, Milledgeville, Brunswick, McRae, Savannah, Statesboro, and Waycross territories in Georgia; and Spartanburg, South Carolina.  Additionally, pursuant to the Letter of Intent between UNITED and The Coca-Cola Company and subject to the parties reaching a Definitive Agreement, Mike’s responsibility will include sales and distribution for UNITED’s expanded Georgia territory into Metro Atlanta,  Athens, Gainesville, Lawrenceville, Macon, and Dublin, Georgia.

“I have had the privilege of working with Mike for over 15 years.  It has been a pleasure observing his development into a highly, effective executive.” said John H. Sherman, Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED.  “As such, combined with his experience and passionate leadership, Mike is uniquely qualified for this new and expanded role.  His significant involvement in UNITED’s previous territory expansions will be an asset as our company expands in Georgia.”

Collectively, the East Region will be comprised of over 2,800 UNITED associates, 35,000 customers, and will be responsible for supplying more than 8 million consumers a beverage portfolio consisting of over 75 brands, 380 flavors, and 111 packages totaling over 940 products; 255 of which are low or no calorie beverage options.

Prior to his new role, Mike served as Corporate Vice President of Operational Marketing and Commercial Leadership where his team worked closely with The Coca-Cola Company to develop effective channel, category and brand strategies relevant to UNITED’s customers and consumers. Additionally, Mike was responsible for the development and deployment of technology, tools and processes that significantly enhanced the capability of our sales and distribution teams.

Mike has over 25 years of experience in the beverage industry with leadership roles in sales operations, customer management and marketing.  He began his Coca-Cola career in 1996 as a Market Development Manager for The Coca-Cola Company and then joined UNITED in 2000 as Director of Marketing and Key Accounts for the Birmingham Division. Prior to Coca-Cola, Mike worked for Ernest and Julio Gallo Winery for 5 years in several sales and management roles across Florida and South Carolina.

Mike’s community and board affiliations include Petroleum and Convenience Marketers of Alabama-Associate Board, Hispanic Business Council-Past President, Fiesta-A Hispanic Cultural Festival-Past President, YMCA of Greater Birmingham- Corporate Board, and Boy Scouts of America.

Mike, with his wife Shelley, and two children, Bella and Michael Jr., will reside in the Atlanta area.

About Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Inc.

Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Inc., founded in 1902 and headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, is the third largest bottler of Coca-Cola products in the UNITED States and the second largest privately held Coca-Cola bottler employing more than 4,900 employees. Coca-Cola UNITED currently refreshes customers, consumers and communities in 35 territories across 7 southeastern states with sparkling and still brands for every occasion.  Engaged principally in the production, marketing and distribution of Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite, Fanta, Dasani water, POWERADE, vitaminwater and many more under exclusive franchise agreements with The Coca-Cola Company and other soft drink manufacturers.

With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, Coca-Cola UNITED is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we live and work. For more information, visit us at www.cocacolaunited.com