Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland has appointed Simon Fitzpatrick as the new general manager of its island-of-Ireland operations.
In addition to his general-manager role, Fitzpatrick is also the vice-president of the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association.
One of Fitzpatrick’s first jobs in his new role was welcoming NI Secretary of State Hilary Benn MP to Coca-Cola HBC’s state-of-the-art facility in Lisburn.
During the visit, Fitzpatrick highlighted Coca-Cola HBC’s commitment to fostering local talent, strengthening the capabilities and skills of its people to drive innovation and growth in the communities that it serves.
Originally from Waringstown, Co. Down, Fitzpatrick has worked for Coca-Cola HBC for over 20 years. Starting off as a business developer, he rose through the company until his most recent role, as head of international key accounts across 29 Coca-Cola HBC markets.
Now, in his new role as general manager, Fitzpatrick will lead the business, which is the strategic bottling partner to the Coca-Cola Company for the island of Ireland.
This includes distributing a 24/7 beverage portfolio with locally owned brands, including Deep RiverRock and Fruice, as well as producing and distributing Monster Energy.
Coca-Cola HBC also owns the premium spirit brand Finlandia vodka, and it is a distributor for the Campari Group, Edrington, and coffee brands Costa and Caffè Vergnano on the island of Ireland.
Fitzpatrick – who previously served as the sales director for the island-of-Ireland operations from 2020 to 2023 and commercial director for the Irish Football Association from 2018 to 2019 – will spearhead the business’s sustainability priorities.
These include the transition to net zero by 2040 and the roll-out of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), which is due to go live in Northern Ireland in 2027.
‘Energising The Local Economy’
Speaking as he welcomed MP Benn to the facility, Fitzpatrick said, “I am incredibly proud and honoured to take up the role of general manager for Coca-Cola HBC in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
“I have spent almost all of my career at Coca-Cola HBC and know first-hand what an incredible business it is.
“With over 850 employees across the island of Ireland, Coca-Cola HBC plays a vital role in energising the local economy, and I was delighted to highlight this to the Secretary of State today.
“Our commitment to the local Irish and Northern Irish markets is reflected in our sustained investment in our people, the communities we serve, and our strong portfolio of globally known, locally produced beverages.
“We are dedicated to supporting the advancement of local talent, enhancing the skills of our workforce, and supporting local businesses to drive opportunity and growth in the market.
“Our long-standing business on this island emphasises our commitment to supporting the development of a stronger local economy for our customers, people and communities.”
MP Benn added, “It was great to visit Coca-Cola HBC’s impressive manufacturing facility in Lisburn today and to hear about the company’s plans for the future.
“The company has a long history on the island of Ireland, dating back almost 90 years.
“Today, the Knockmore Hill site supports more than 450 jobs and is a testament to what a fantastic place Northern Ireland is to invest in and do business.
“This UK government is committed to working together with business and with executives to generate investment and economic growth right across Northern Ireland, including through our new modern industrial strategy.”
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