Muhtar kent biography of georgetown

Muhtar Kent

American-Turkish businessman of Turkish descent
Date of Birth: 01.01.1952
Country: USA

Content:
  1. Muhtar Kent: A Journey from Turkey to Coca-Cola
  2. Return to Turkey and Military Service
  3. Joining Coca-Cola
  4. International Leadership
  5. Departure and Return to Coca-Cola
  6. CEO of The Coca-Cola Company
  7. Personal Life

Muhtar Kent: A Journey from Turkey to Coca-Cola

Early Life and Education

Muhtar Kent, an American businessman of Turkish descent, was born in New York City in 1952. His father, Necdet Kent, was the Turkish consul general in New York and known as the "Turkish Schindler" for saving Jewish lives during World War II. Kent graduated from Tarsus American College in Turkey in 1971 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Hull in the United Kingdom in 1978. He later completed a master's degree at City University London.

Return to Turkey and Military Service

Kent returned to Turkey to fulfill his military service and eventually moved back to the United States with just $1,000 in his pocket. He lived with an uncle in New York City.

Joining Coca-Cola

Kent found a job with Coca-Cola after answering a newspaper ad. He traveled the country in trucks selling Coca-Cola, learning about its distribution, marketing, and logistics. In 1985, he was promoted to general manager of Coca-Cola in Turkey and Central Asia, moving the company's headquarters from Izmir to Istanbul.

International Leadership

Three years later, Kent became vice president of Coca-Cola International, responsible for 23 countries from the Alps to the Himalayas. Based in Vienna, he held this position until 1995. In 1995, Kent became managing director of Coca-Cola Europe, where he increased the company's turnover by approximately 50% within two years.

Departure and Return to Coca-Cola

In 1999, Kent left Coca-Cola after 20 years of service. He returned to Turkey and became the chief executive of Anadolu Group's Efes Beverage Group, one of Europe's largest international beverage companies. He expanded its operations from the Adriatic region to China.

In May 2005, Kent rejoined Coca-Cola after an almost six-year absence as president and chief operating officer of the company's North Asia, Eurasia, and Middle East region. In January 2006, he was promoted to the newly created position of president of international operations, overseeing all operations outside North America and reporting directly to the company's presidents outside North America.

CEO of The Coca-Cola Company

Kent's successful tenure culminated in his appointment as chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company on July 1, 2008.

Personal Life

Kent is married to Defne Kent, the daughter of renowned Turkish jurist Prof. İlhan Lütem. The couple has two children. He is a member of the Galatasaray Sports Club.