Last updated on August 16th, 2012 at 12:08 pm
Raleigh, N.C.-based Pepsi Bottling Ventures (PBV), a joint venture between Suntory International and PepsiCo, has named Paul Finney its president and CEO. Finney succeeds Keith Reimer, who retired Dec. 31. Finney had served as PBV’s SVP of sales and marketing since 2006.
“Paul is an immensely talented and versatile executive with proven know-how in running a large sales organization, motivating people and exceeding customer expectations,” said Tsuyoshi Nishizaki, president and CEO of Suntory International. “In addition to his knowledge of PepsiCo’s bottling system and the diverse retail channels it serves, we are truly fortunate to have an executive of Paul’s vast skills and experience taking the reins and steering PBV’s strategic direction. While thanking Keith Reimer for his great contributions over the years, we anticipate a seamless leadership transition from Keith to Paul and we look forward to continued momentum in the marketplace.”
“Paul has a clear appreciation of and respect for both the bottling and franchise sides of the beverage business,” said Al Carey, CEO of PepsiCo Americas Beverages. “He truly understands the interdependence of our partnership and is well suited to help us drive ongoing growth together.”
During Finney’s six years with PBV, revenue has increased 41 percent and PBV has expanded its footprint from five to eight states, according to the company.
Prior to joining PBV, Finney spent 17 years with Pepsi-Cola North America in a variety of roles including VP of sales at SoBe and VP/general manager in a variety of locations including southern California, Texas and New York. Before joining Pepsi, Finney worked for the Nestle Corp.
Founded in 1943, PBV is the largest privately held bottler and distributor of Pepsi-Cola products in North America. PBV operates 27 bottling and distribution facilities, serving more than nine million consumers in parts of North Carolina, New York, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Vermont, Idaho and South Carolina.
