Coke Florida Announces New Executive Leadership as It Embarks on ‘Next 10’ Growth Strategy
Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC (“Coke Florida”), the sixth-largest Coca-Cola bottler in the United States, has announced key leadership appointments as it positions itself for a decade of accelerated growth and transformation. The company, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, is launching its “Next 10” strategy—a vision focused on deepening employee engagement, delivering exceptional customer experiences, and expanding its role as a trusted community partner across the Sunshine State.
As part of this strategic pivot, Coke Florida has elevated Andy Hill to the position of President. Hill most recently served as the company’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, where he led commercial operations, sales strategy, and customer engagement. His promotion recognizes not only his contributions to the company’s robust performance over recent years but also his leadership in driving forward-thinking, customer-centric initiatives.
Also joining the executive leadership team is Cass Black, an accomplished consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry executive with more than three decades of experience. Black has been appointed as Coke Florida’s new Chief Customer Officer. His addition signals the company’s intent to further strengthen its commercial capabilities and retail partnerships.
A Decade of Growth and a New Chapter
Troy Taylor, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Coke Florida, expressed his confidence in the leadership changes as instrumental to the company’s continued success.
“Andy continues to drive transformational commercial strategy and execution changes across our business to help position us for continued growth and operational improvements,” Taylor stated. “As we celebrate our 10-year anniversary and begin our ‘Next 10’ strategy, we are laser-focused on becoming the number one employer for our outstanding Coke Florida team, number one with our customers through world-class execution, and the number one community partner for our consumers. These leadership changes will help us align more closely with The Coca-Cola Company’s 2035 Vision and unlock new levels of performance.”
Coke Florida, founded in 2015, operates as a family-owned independent Coca-Cola bottler with exclusive sales and distribution rights for Coca-Cola brands across much of the state. The company services over 21 million consumers across 47 Florida counties and employs more than 4,600 people. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and community engagement, Coke Florida has emerged as a major player in one of the most diverse and high-growth beverage markets in the United States.
Andy Hill: Leading the ‘Next 10’
In his new role as President, Andy Hill will assume greater responsibility for leading Coke Florida into its next phase of expansion. With a background in sales and commercial operations, Hill is known for his strategic thinking and data-driven approach to customer engagement.
“It’s a tremendous honor and responsibility to lead Coke Florida into the ‘Next 10’ years,” Hill said. “We’ve built a strong foundation over the past decade, and with a talented and committed team, we’re poised to deliver on our greatest potential. I look forward to collaborating closely with our partners and stakeholders to achieve bold goals.”
Hill’s leadership comes at a pivotal time. Florida’s beverage market is uniquely positioned for growth, driven by population expansion, tourism, and an increasingly diverse consumer base. Hill will be tasked with capitalizing on these opportunities by aligning operations with consumer trends, enhancing execution at the point of sale, and deepening the company’s relationships with retail, foodservice, and community partners.
Cass Black: A Veteran with Vision
Bringing over 30 years of experience in sales and customer strategy, Cass Black joins Coke Florida with a record of delivering performance through transformation. He most recently served as Chief Customer Officer at Tate’s Bake Shop, a premium cookie brand under the Mondelēz International portfolio. Before that, Black was Customer Vice President at Mondelēz, where he led the strategic transformation of the company’s direct store delivery (DSD) operating model—an effort that significantly improved operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
At Coke Florida, Black will lead the company’s retail customer management, food service, on-premise channels, and the field operations team. As a key member of the executive leadership team, he will also contribute to the company’s strategic direction and long-term commercial planning.
“I am excited to join Coke Florida at this pivotal moment,” said Black. “The opportunity to contribute to such a dynamic, high-performing organization is incredibly energizing. I look forward to working alongside our customers and team members to drive growth, enhance execution, and deliver best-in-class service across all touchpoints.”
As Coke Florida looks to the future, the appointments of Hill and Black represent more than just changes in title—they signal the company’s firm commitment to leadership excellence, innovation, and community impact. The company’s “Next 10” strategy envisions a decade of bold transformation rooted in cultural inclusivity, operational agility, and market leadership.
With a customer-first approach, deep ties to Florida’s diverse communities, and a leadership team committed to excellence, Coke Florida is poised to thrive in the competitive and ever-evolving beverage industry.
