Chief spearheads social responsibility drive
What is it like heading one of the world's great capitalistic icon? Muhtar Kent, president and chief operating officer of the Coca-Cola Company, would not have it any other way.
Since joining the world's biggest beverage company nearly 30 years ago, he has travelled the globe and witnessed Coke's entry into previously closed markets where it was sometimes seen as a flag-bearer of free enterprise.
One of his proudest moments was the company's success in Eastern Europe after the fall of the Berlin Wall. The company re-entered the mainland in 1979 after the country started opening up its economy.
Now Coke is solidly focused on the mainland again in the lead-up to the Beijing Olympics. Last week, Mr Kent attended the Special Olympics in Shanghai as a board member for the event. Coca-Cola is the only company that is sponsoring the Olympic Games, the Paralympics and Special Olympics.
Mr Kent said the company, which struggled with management problems following the death of legendary chairman Roberto Goizueta a decade ago, was now back on top. It posted a 19 per cent rise in second-quarter revenue - the biggest rise in almost 13 years. In the mainland, the company aims to expand sales by more than 15 per cent this year as it introduces new drinks and offers beverages at more locations.
Born in Turkey, Mr Kent holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Hull University and a Master of Science from London City University.