Coca-Cola HBC has appointed Davide Franzetti as general manager of its island-of-Ireland operations.
Franzetti will succeed Miles Karemacher, who is set to take up the role of general manager at Coca-Cola HBC Italy.
In his new role, Franzetti will lead the beverage business, which is the bottling partner to the Coca-Cola Company for the island of Ireland and distributes a 24/7 beverage portfolio, including locally owned ranges Deep RiverRock and Fruice.
Coca-Cola HBC also distributes premium spirit brands for the Campari Group and Edrington, as well as products for coffee brands Costa and Caffè Vergnano.
‘Exciting Time’
According to Coca-Cola HBC, Franzetti’s tenure as general manager begins at an ‘exciting time’ for the organisation, following the announcement of a new canning line at Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland’s production facility in Lisburn, in a £17/€20 million investment announced earlier this year.
Commenting on his new role, Franzetti said, “Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland has a long and rich history going back over 80 years and has a well-established reputation for strong portfolio development, a deep commitment to sustainability, and sustained investment in its people and the communities it serves.
“My goal is to further strengthen our position as the leading 24/7 beverage partner to our customers, to listen to their needs, and to bring greater value to our relationships.”
Deposit Return Scheme
Franzetti’s role will also encompass leading the transition to net zero by 2040 and working with customers and other industry partners as the sector prepares for the roll-out of the deposit return scheme (DRS), which is due to go live in the Republic of Ireland in February 2024.
“I am looking forward to playing my part in the development of local talent, which contributes so strongly to the Coca-Cola system, to delivering the £17/€20 million investment into our Knockmore Hill production facility, and to supporting the delivery of a well-functioning and efficient deposit return scheme – the biggest change to waste collection in Ireland in a generation,” he added.
Previous Experience
Previously, Franzetti had been working for Coca-Cola HBC Italy since 2018, holding various roles, including modern trade director and, most recently, sales director.
Prior to joining Coca-Cola HBC, he held the role as general manager of the Italian division of global brewer AB InBev.
Read More: Bottler Coca-Cola HBC Expects Annual Profit Growth At Top End Of Forecast
© 2023 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. For more packaging stories, click here. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
