Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland has reinforced its leadership team with the appointment of Mike Raven as sales director for the island of Ireland. Raven joins from Coca-Cola HBC’s Italian sector, where he was sales director focusing on strengthening customer relationships within the At Home channel. His experience within the Coca-Cola system began in 2020 when he joined as international key account director responsible for the discount channel. Before his tenure at Coca-Cola HBC, Raven held a variety of commercial roles at Danone and Diageo.

This appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Coca-Cola HBC on the island as it seeks to expand its 24/7 portfolio of beverages, a strategy that encompasses not only global Coca-Cola brands but also locally loved names like Deep RiverRock and Fruice. The company produces and distributes all beverages within The Coca-Cola Company portfolio, along with a range of other products including Monster Energy drinks, the premium spirit Finlandia Vodka, and drinks from Campari Group and Edrington, as well as the coffee brand Caffé Vergnano. This broad product line positions the company strongly in varied market segments across Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Simon Fitzpatrick, general manager of Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, remarked on Raven’s appointment noting the extensive commercial experience he brings both within and outside the Coca-Cola system. Fitzpatrick expressed optimism that Raven’s leadership would support the company’s ambition to be the leading provider of a comprehensive 24/7 beverage portfolio to customers. On his appointment, Raven conveyed enthusiasm for the diverse and promising markets of Ireland and Northern Ireland, expressing eagerness to collaborate with customers and support the sales team in delivering value and consumer satisfaction.

Coca-Cola HBC’s presence in Ireland is substantial, with over 750 employees and operational facilities in Lisburn, Co. Antrim, and Dublin. The company plays a crucial role as the strategic bottling partner for The Coca-Cola Company on the island, manufacturing, distributing, and marketing a diverse range of beverages. Deep RiverRock, a bottled water brand produced in County Antrim and well-established since 1994, is a notable local brand under the Coca-Cola HBC umbrella, with significant community engagement including sponsorship of events like the Belfast City Marathon.

Furthermore, Coca-Cola HBC has recently enhanced its market capabilities through the acquisition of BDS Vending Solutions Ltd., an established vending services provider in Ireland operating around 2,000 vending machines. This move is designed to boost route-to-market efficiency and tap into new profitable opportunities across both cold and hot beverage segments and snacks, reflecting the company’s broader growth strategy. The acquisition awaits regulatory approval and is slated for completion in the coming months.

Simon Fitzpatrick, who has over two decades of experience with Coca-Cola HBC - including leadership roles such as head of international key accounts - was appointed general manager of the island of Ireland operations. His extensive background in managing the company’s presence across 29 markets brings depth to Coca-Cola HBC’s leadership and further supports the company's strategic vision for growth on the island.

Together, the appointments of Fitzpatrick and Raven signal a strong leadership focus on expanding Coca-Cola HBC’s footprint and portfolio in Ireland and Northern Ireland, leveraging local insights alongside international expertise to meet evolving consumer demands.