Coca-Cola Amatil splits its beverages division into two separate units, with one focusing on non-alcoholic bottling operations, the other on spirits distribution

Nevin Barich

SYDNEY , May 12, 2014 (Australian Associated Press) – The new boss at Coca-Cola Amatil has split the company's beverage operations in two, ending the tenure of a senior manager.

Managing director Alison Watkins, who joined Coca-Cola Amatil from Graincorp in March, is separating non-alcoholic bottling operations from spirits distribution, after completing the first phase of her business review.

The restructure will deliver a better focus on individual businesses, which is important as growing competition in the drinks market makes growth more difficult, Ms Watkins said.

Each division will now report directly to Ms Watkins, meaning the man who previously oversaw all of the company's beverages businesses, John Murphy, will depart in June.

The former managing director of Fosters Australia, Mr Murphy joined Coca-Cola Amatil as head of alcoholic beverages in 2010, and was promoted to oversee all beverages operations in 2012.

As well as bottling soft drink, water and sports drinks, Coca-Cola Amatil sells and distributes spirits including Jim Beam and Canadian Club.

It also recently re-entered the beer market through a joint venture with Australian winemaker Casella.

Ms Watkins said the changes will deliver an alcohol business with greater speed of response to market conditions and an ability to identify and pursue growth opportunities.

The head of Coca-Cola Amatil's New Zealand operations, Barry O'Connell, will take on the new role of managing director of non-alcoholic beverages.

Shane Richardson will remain the head of the alcohol business.

Coca-Cola Amatil shares were down four cents at $9.11 at 1445 AEST.

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