ATLANTA, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Coca-Cola Co. announced Friday that Muhtar Kent will step down as chief executive officer, a position he has held since 2008.
Kent led the company's diversification away from sugar-laden soda drinks before he became CEO. In 2007 Coca-Cola acquired Energy Brands Inc., makers of Vitaminwater and Smartwater, and later spent $4 billion to buy minority stakes in coffee maker Keurig Green Mountain Inc., energy drink maker Monster Beverage Corp and organic juice company Suja Life LLC, a maker of organic, cold-pressed juices. The company also acquired organic tea maker Honest Tea and Zico coconut water. Coca-Cola also began production of Fairlife, a lactose-free milk.