Brock

Alumnus John Brock has been named head of Coca-Cola Enterprises, the world's largest bottler of Coke products, to put the fizz back in marketing the best-known brand of soft drink.

An industry veteran, Brock, ChE 70, will be the first "outsider" to take the helm of CCE when he assumes the post in mid-May. He left as CEO of InBev, a European brewer, to run CCE, which operates in North America and Europe.

Brock will run a company that is profitable and meets analysts' expectations — its revenue was $4.33 billion in April, up 3 percent from the same quarter a year ago. But it is not experiencing high growth and its stock is not soaring.

Lowry F. Kline, who has served as chairman of CCE since April 2000 and as interim chief executive officer since December 2005, commended Brock's experience. Kline will continue as chairman.

"John's global operations, marketing and brand experience make him uniquely suited to address today's complex marketplace dynamics," Kline said. "His insight and strategic leadership, honed over almost three decades of managing international companies, has made him one of the most respected leaders in the beverage industry."

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