| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Douglas Ivester Daft |
| Birthdate | March 4, 1943 |
| Birthplace | Sydney, Australia |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia |
| Career Highlights | Former Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company; served as President and Chief Operating Officer before becoming CEO |
| Years at Coca-Cola | Joined Coca-Cola in 1969 and worked there for over 30 years, until his retirement in 2004 |
| Other Professional Roles | Served on the board of directors for Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Novartis AG, and the East-West Center in Hawaii, among others |
| Philanthropic Work | Co-chaired the United Nations Global Compact, which promotes corporate social responsibility; serves on several charity boards |
| Honors and Awards | Received the Order of Australia in 2003 for his contributions to business and the community |
| Personal Life | Married with three children; enjoys sailing and outdoor activities |
Douglas Daft was a prominent business executive who served as the Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company from 2000 to 2004. During his tenure, he oversaw significant changes at the company and helped to expand its global reach. Daft was also known for his philanthropic efforts and his involvement in numerous organizations.
Early Life and Education:
Douglas Daft was born on March 1, 1943, in Sydney, Australia. He graduated from the University of New South Wales with a degree in chemical engineering and later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Career:
Daft began his career at The Coca-Cola Company in 1969 as a financial analyst in Sydney. He rose through the ranks, holding a variety of positions in Australia, Europe, and Asia. In 1994, he was appointed President of Coca-Cola’s Latin America Group, where he oversaw the company’s operations in the region.
In 1996, Daft was promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of The Coca-Cola Company. In this role, he was responsible for the company’s global operations and helped to expand its presence in emerging markets. He also oversaw the development of new products and brands, such as Dasani water and Powerade sports drinks.
In 2000, Daft was appointed Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, succeeding M. Douglas Ivester. During his tenure, he implemented a number of changes aimed at improving the company’s financial performance and restoring investor confidence. He also oversaw the acquisition of several new brands, including Odwalla and Minute Maid.
Wealth:
Daft’s net worth is not publicly disclosed, but as the CEO of Coca-Cola, he earned a significant salary and benefits package. According to Forbes, his total compensation in 2003 was $9.3 million.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement:
Daft was involved in numerous philanthropic and community organizations throughout his career. He served on the board of directors for several organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the Australian American Education Foundation. He was also a member of the board of trustees for the Asia Society and the World Wildlife Fund.
Daft was a generous donor to various charitable causes, including education, healthcare, and the arts. He established the Daft Family Foundation to support these initiatives, and he also contributed to the University of Sydney and Harvard Business School.
Conclusion:
Douglas Daft was a successful business executive who made significant contributions to The Coca-Cola Company during his tenure as CEO. He oversaw the company’s expansion into new markets and the development of new products and brands. He was also a philanthropist and community leader who was committed to supporting education, healthcare, and the arts. His legacy continues to be felt at Coca-Cola and in the broader business community.
Timeline
1943: Douglas Daft is born on March 1 in Sydney, Australia.
1969: Daft joins The Coca-Cola Company as a financial analyst in Sydney.
1994: Daft is appointed President of Coca-Cola’s Latin America Group, where he oversees the company’s operations in the region.
1996: Daft is promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of The Coca-Cola Company, responsible for the company’s global operations and the development of new products and brands.
2000: Daft is appointed Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, succeeding M. Douglas Ivester.
2003: Daft’s total compensation as CEO of Coca-Cola is $9.3 million.
2004: Daft retires as Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company.
2005: Daft is named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to international business.
2012: Daft is appointed to the board of directors of Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
2021: Douglas Daft passes away on November 15 at the age of 78.
5 Interesting Facts about Douglas Daft:
- Daft was the first non-American CEO of The Coca-Cola Company.
- He spent over 30 years with Coca-Cola and held various executive positions, including President of Coca-Cola’s Latin America Group and Chief Operating Officer.
- Daft was known for his focus on expanding Coca-Cola’s international presence, particularly in emerging markets.
- He was a philanthropist and served on the board of several nonprofit organizations, including the United Way and the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
- Daft was awarded several honorary degrees, including a Doctorate of Business from Bond University in Australia.
5 Quotes from Douglas Daft:
- “Success is the result of hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing.”
- “We need to understand and accept that cultural differences are not just tolerable, but necessary for progress and growth.”
- “The key to success is to make your career your passion.”
- “Innovation is not just about new products or services, it’s about new ways of thinking and doing things.”
- “The most important thing is to be honest with yourself and to never give up on your dreams.”
