Coca-Cola Shuffles Executives; CEO Names a No. 2

Coke veteran Brian Smith is promoted to chief operating officer; finance chief Kathy Waller to retire

Jennifer Maloney and

Micah Maidenberg

Updated Oct. 18, 2018 4:03 p.m. ET

Coca-Cola Co. boss James Quincey shuffled his management team, promoting a company veteran into the vacant No. 2 role and disclosing the retirement of the company’s finance chief.

The Atlanta-based company said Thursday that Brian Smith will become chief operating officer and president on Jan. 1. Mr. Smith, a 21-year Coca-Cola employee, currently serves as president of the company’s Europe, Middle East and Africa unit.

Mr....