Coca-Cola HBC: Announces the appointment of Anastassis G. David as Chairman

Coca-Cola HBC AG

Announces the appointment of Anastassis G. David as Chairman

Zug, Switzerland – 28 January 2016 – Coca-Cola HBC AG ("Coca-Cola HBC” or the "Company”) announced today that George A. David has decided to step down from the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors (the "Board”) of Coca-Cola HBC with effect from 27 January 2016. 

Mr. David, who has served as Chairman of Coca-Cola HBC since 1981, will remain on the Board until the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the "AGM”) in June 2016, at which point he will be retiring from the Company.

Following a thorough succession planning process by the Company's Nomination Committee involving external advisers and a broad consultation with the Company's shareholders, the Board has decided to appoint Coca-Cola HBC's current Vice Chairman, Anastassis G. David, as Chairman of the Board until the Company's next AGM.  Anastassis G. David will be proposed for election by the shareholders at the Company's AGM in June 2016.

Anastassis G. David joined the Board of Coca-Cola HBC as a non-executive director in 2006 and was appointed Vice Chairman in 2014.  Anastassis brings to his role more than 20 years of experience as an investor and non-executive director in the beverage industry.  He is active in the international community and serves as a board member of a number of non-profit organisations. He is also on the boards of Aegean Airlines S.A. and AXA Insurance S.A.

Sir Michael Llewellyn Smith, the Chairman of Coca-Cola HBC's Nomination Committee and Senior Independent Director, said: "I would like to express the Board's deep appreciation to George A. David for his long, loyal and devoted service to Coca-Cola HBC.  Whilst the leadership of the Board is changing, we are doing this in a way that ensures continuity and industry experience.  Anastassis has a proven track record and we are delighted to welcome him in his new role as Chairman.”

Anastassis G. David commented: "I am honoured to be appointed Chairman of the Board of
Coca-Cola HBC.  I fully endorse our values and will continue to work with my colleagues on the Board and management to deliver on our growth strategy.”

George A. David said: "It has been a privilege to serve as Chairman of Coca-Cola HBC. After 35 years with the Company, I believe this is the right time for me to hand over to a new leader.  I wish Anastassis and everyone at Coca-Cola HBC every success in the future.”