Cambodia Investment Review

Paulo Gaspar Rodrigues Appointed as New CEO of Coca-Cola Cambodia

Paulo Gaspar Rodrigues Appointed as New CEO of Coca-Cola Cambodia

Cambodia Investment Review

Coca-Cola Cambodia has announced the appointment of Mr. Paulo Gaspar Rodrigues as its new Chief Executive Officer. Of Brazilian heritage, Mr. Rodrigues brings nearly three decades of global experience within the Coca-Cola system to his new role.

Prior to his appointment in Cambodia, Mr. Rodrigues served in Thailand as Senior Vice President of Commercial Innovation and Artificial Intelligence at Coca-Cola ThaiNamthip. In this role, he was instrumental in driving digital transformation and fostering commercial innovation to enhance market growth. His career also includes pioneering new Route-to-Market models in Brazil and Asia, laying the groundwork for long-term success across multiple markets.

“As the new CEO of CBC, I am committed to fostering sustainable growth, strengthening partnerships with stakeholders, and advancing CBC’s leadership in the Cambodian beverage industry,” Mr. Rodrigues said, reflecting his vision for the company.

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Coca-Cola’s Legacy in Cambodia

Mr. Paulo Gaspar Rodrigues New CEO of Coca-Cola Cambodia

Coca-Cola has a long and storied history in Cambodia, dating back to the 1960s when the first imported bottles of the beverage were introduced to the local market. Over the decades, the brand has made significant investments in local production and infrastructure, including:

  • 1993: The establishment of Cambodia Beverage Company (CBCL), which began producing Coca-Cola products at a factory on the banks of the Tonle Sap River in Phnom Penh.
  • 2008: Upgrades to the factory introduced new production lines for PET plastic bottles, increasing production capacity.
  • 2015: A US$100 million state-of-the-art bottling plant was built in Phnom Penh’s Special Economic Zone. The facility is regarded as one of Cambodia’s most advanced and environmentally friendly production plants.
  • 2022: Swire Coca-Cola, a division of Swire Pacific Limited, acquired CBCL in November, marking its first investment in Southeast Asia and underscoring Coca-Cola’s long-term commitment to the region.

The company plans to focus on sustainability, technology integration, and strengthening its leadership position in the country’s beverage market. Mr. Rodrigues’ extensive experience and leadership in global markets, particularly in Thailand and Brazil, are expected to further elevate Coca-Cola’s presence and impact in Cambodia.

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