Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) has made an exciting announcement regarding leadership changes that will shape the future of the company in South Africa. As of April 1, 2025, Sunil Gupta has been appointed the new CEO of Coca-Cola South Africa, following the retirement of Jacques Vermeulen after an impressive 28-year career with the company. This transition marks a significant moment for Coca-Cola’s operations in South Africa and across Africa.
Sunil Gupta: A Seasoned Leader with 25 Years of Experience
Sunil Gupta brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Having been with the Coca-Cola Company for over 25 years, Sunil is no stranger to the complexities of the beverage giant’s operations. He most recently served as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Coca-Cola’s Bottling Investments Group (BIG). Before his tenure with Coca-Cola, Gupta worked with prestigious organizations such as Bank of America NT&SA, Casio India, and EY International. His extensive career and leadership in various financial and strategic roles make him the ideal candidate to guide Coca-Cola South Africa through its next phase of growth.
Leadership Transition: Jacques Vermeulen’s Retirement
The announcement of Sunil Gupta’s appointment comes after the retirement of Jacques Vermeulen, who led Coca-Cola South Africa for almost three decades. Vermeulen’s retirement marks the end of a distinguished career with Coca-Cola, where he played a crucial role in expanding the company’s presence in the region. In the interim, Norton Kingwill, the CFO of CCBA, will step in as acting CEO until Sunil takes over in April.
What Does the Future Hold for Coca-Cola South Africa?
Sunil Gupta’s leadership will be pivotal as Coca-Cola Beverages Africa continues to strengthen its position in the market. One of the key focuses for Gupta will be overseeing the successful listing of CCBA as a public company through an initial public offering (IPO), once market conditions are favorable. This move is part of Coca-Cola’s broader strategy to expand and modernize its business across the continent.
With Sunil Gupta at the helm, Coca-Cola South Africa is poised to continue its legacy of delivering world-class beverages while adapting to evolving market trends. His deep understanding of the company’s operations, combined with his financial expertise, will be invaluable as the company looks to build on its success and enter a new chapter.