Roberto Goizueta

Roberto Goizueta

Roberto Críspulo Goizueta (November 18, 1931 – October 18, 1997) was a Cuban-American businessman who served as Chairman, Director, and Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company from 1981 until his death in 1997.

Early Life and Education

Roberto Goizueta was born in Havana, Cuba, to a wealthy and prominent family. He attended the prestigious Jesuit-run Belen Jesuit Preparatory School in Havana before moving to the United States to attend Yale University, where he earned a degree in chemical engineering.

Career

In 1954, Goizueta joined The Coca-Cola Company as a chemist in the company's Caribbean division. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Vice President of the company's technical division in 1964. In 1980, he was named President of the company, and a year later, he became Chairman and CEO.

During his tenure as CEO, Goizueta implemented several key strategies that led to significant growth for the company. He introduced Diet Coke, which became the best-selling diet soft drink in the world, and he expanded the company's global reach by entering markets in China and the Soviet Union.

Legacy

Goizueta's leadership and vision transformed The Coca-Cola Company into one of the most recognized and profitable companies in the world. His strategies and business acumen continue to be studied in business schools around the world.

In honor of his contributions, the business school at Emory University was renamed the Roberto C. Goizueta Business School in 1998.

Personal Life and Death

Goizueta was married to Olga Casteleiro and they had three children. He was a heavy smoker and died of lung cancer in 1997.

References

• "Roberto C. Goizueta, The Man Who Made Coca-Cola Great, Is Dead at 65". The New York Times. October 19, 1997.
• "Roberto Goizueta's Legacy". The Coca-Cola Company. Retrieved 2020-11-18.
• "Roberto C. Goizueta". Emory University. Retrieved 2020-11-18.

See Also

• The Coca-Cola Company
• Diet Coke
• Emory University
• Jesuit Education