Coke names new marketing chief amid struggles

NEW YORK (AP) — Coca-Cola is naming a new chief marketing officer as the world's biggest soda maker works to boost flat soda sales.

The Atlanta-based company says Marcos De Quinto, a company veteran, will replace Joe Tripodi starting Jan. 1.

The maker of Powerade, Fanta and Diet Coke this week outlined plans to significantly slash costs after reporting disappointing sales for its third quarter.

De Quinto currently heads Coca-Cola's Iberia division and is a vice president of the Europe group. He has also served in marketing roles in countries including Spain and Germany.

Tripodi, who has headed Coca-Cola's marketing for the past seven years, oversaw the launch of Coke's "Open Happiness" campaign.