By Andrew Haruna | Nigeria News Today
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – The Coca-Cola Company has appointed Luis Felipe Avellar as president of its Africa operating unit, effective September 1, 2025, The Bureau News reports.
Avellar, currently serving as president of Coca-Cola’s Mexico operations, will succeed Luisa Ortega, who is set to lead the company’s Europe operating unit. He will report directly to Henrique Braun, Coca-Cola’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
Extensive Leadership Experience Across Continents
Henrique Braun praised the appointment, stating:
“Luis has had an outstanding career that has included extensive leadership roles in our Latin America operations. He also has experience working for our company in Africa, and I’m excited to see him return to Johannesburg to build on the system’s ongoing work to serve the growing African market.”
Avellar’s history with Coca-Cola spans over two decades, beginning in 2002 as a finance specialist in Brazil. Over the years, he held increasingly senior positions, including general manager of the Brazil South Region in 2016.
In 2019, he became vice president and general manager for Southern Africa, based in Johannesburg. Two years later, he returned to Latin America to lead operations in Brazil and the Southern Cone before assuming his current post in Mexico in 2023.
Academic and Professional Background
The 49-year-old executive holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics and an Executive MBA in Finance from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro. He also completed the Advanced Management Program at IESE Business School in Spain.
Before joining Coca-Cola, Avellar worked in finance at SC Johnson in Brazil from 1998 to 2002.
Strengthening Coca-Cola’s African Strategy
This appointment signals Coca-Cola’s continued commitment to the African market, where consumer demand for beverages is expanding rapidly. The Bureau News will monitor developments as Avellar takes on his new role from Johannesburg.
