The Coca-Cola Company Names New Leader for Europe Operating Unit

The Coca-Cola Company today announced that Luisa Ortega will become president of the Europe operating unit effective Sept. 1, succeeding Nikos Koumettis, who will retire in 2026 after a 25-year career with the company.

Koumettis will remain with the company through Feb. 28, 2026, as a senior advisor. He will also serve on the board of directors of Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd., a company-owned bottler in India.

Ortega joined Coca-Cola in 2019 and currently serves as president of the Africa operating unit. In this role, she leads a complex business that operates across 54 markets. Koumettis has led the Europe operating unit since it was created in 2021.

“Luisa has done an outstanding job leading our African business, where our system has continued to make major investments to serve growing markets on the continent,” said Henrique Braun, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of The Coca-Cola Company. “As head of Europe, she will bring great international experience to one of our biggest and most important operating units.”

The company thanked Koumettis for his many contributions. “Nikos has been a valued colleague for many years, and he has played a vital role in strengthening our European business,” Braun said. “The operating unit was honored as the company’s top performer for 2023, which is a testament to the strong work of Nikos and his team.”

Ortega will continue to report to Braun in her new role. Ortega’s successor in Africa will be named at a future date.