Peter West, currently Managing Director of Coca-Cola Amatil, has been announced as Vice President and General Manager of a newly created Australia, Pacific and Indonesia Business Unit following the sale of Coca-Cola Amatil to Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP).

Current group managing director Alison Watkins will leave the company following the completion of the acquisition on May 10. According to the AFR Chief financial officer Greg Barnes, group director of legal and corporate affairs Betty Ivanoff, chief information officer Debbie Nova and Kate Mason, group director of people and culture will also leave the business.

Chris Litchfield will continue to lead New Zealand and the Pacific Islands and Jorge Escudero will lead Indonesia and Papua New Guinea when Kadir Gunduz departs, as planned, in July.

Coca-Cola European Partners CEO Damian Gammell said: “Peter brings a great understanding of the Coca-Cola business in the region, as well as a 30-year strong track record of success and experience from major consumer brands across multiple markets including Lion’s Dairy and Drinks business, Mars Confectionary and Arnott’s Biscuits.

“He has a deep knowledge of Australian, Pacific and international FMCG, and a proven ability to work with customers and partners to drive growth and deliver results.

The company’s name will change to Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.

CCEP noted: “Coca-Cola Europacific Partners will be the world’s largest Coca-Cola bottler and one of the leading FMCG companies in the world. The company will employ over 33,000 people, serving approximately 2 million customers in 26 countries.”

Gammell added: “We are excited to bring together two of the world’s best bottlers under a new name – Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.

“This is a significant moment for Coca-Cola Amatil and Coca-Cola European Partners, and our new name reflects what will be a broader and more balanced geographic footprint, doubling our consumer reach. As one company, we can go further together, driving growth and scaling faster.

“Our business is built on great people, great service and great beverages – done sustainably, creating value that benefits all stakeholders. We look forward to welcoming Amatil’s colleagues, customers, suppliers and partners to our business soon.”

Amatil shareholders approve European sale