DUBLIN — The Coca-Cola Company has appointed Lidia Ponce de Leon as its new Country Manager for Ireland, where she will oversee local operations, portfolio growth, and marketing strategies across the region.
Ponce de Leon succeeds Amruta Vaidya, who has stepped into a new executive role as General Manager of Coca-Cola Romania.
Strategic Growth and Leadership Transition
Ponce de Leon brings extensive experience in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), franchise operations, retail, and brand development to the leadership post.
Coca-Cola Leadership Transition Overview
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| NEW COUNTRY MANAGER (IRELAND): Lidia Ponce de Leon |
| OUTGOING COUNTRY MANAGER (IRELAND): Amruta Vaidya |
| NEW ROLE FOR AMRUTA VAIDYA: General Manager, Coca-Cola Romania |
| KEY PARTNER IN IRELAND: Coca-Cola HBC Ireland & Northern Ireland |
| TOTAL SYSTEM WORKFORCE (IRELAND): ~1,500 Employees |
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Prior to taking on the Country Manager role, Ponce de Leon served as Senior Director of Franchise Operations in Spain. She also previously held the role of Director of Franchise Operations for Coca-Cola in Ireland, giving her deep familiarity with the Irish retail landscape and bottling partnerships.
In her new capacity, she will work alongside local bottling partner Coca-Cola HBC to execute market growth strategies, drive product reformulation, and advance regional packaging and recycling initiatives.
“Ireland is an important market for Coca-Cola, with a proud history, fantastic brands, and strong relationships with our customers, partners, and communities across the country,” Ponce de Leon said regarding her appointment. “I’m looking forward to working with the talented team in Ireland and our bottling partner Coca-Cola HBC to build on that strong foundation.”
Amruta Vaidya Takes Charge in Romania
The executive shift follows the move of outgoing Country Manager Amruta Vaidya to head Coca-Cola’s operations in Eastern Europe.
Executive Profile: Amruta Vaidya
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| INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE: 20+ Years in Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) |
| JOINED COCA-COLA: 2017 |
| PREVIOUS REGIONAL EXPERIENCE: Norway, Iceland, Australia, Singapore, |
| Malaysia, Ireland |
| SUCCEEDED IN ROMANIA: Mark Docherty (moved to regional European role) |
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Vaidya, who joined The Coca-Cola Company in 2017, held leadership roles across marketing, commercial operations, and general management in multiple global markets—including Norway, Australia, Singapore, and Ireland—before being named General Manager of Coca-Cola Romania. She succeeds Mark Docherty, who transitioned to a regional management role based at Coca-Cola’s European headquarters in Dublin.
The combined leadership moves reflect Coca-Cola’s broader organizational updates across European markets as the company expands its beverage portfolio, sustainability commitments, and market execution strategies throughout the region.
Coca Cola Billboard, Kings Cross, Sydney Public Domain Picture on Flickr by Bandwagonman for illustration purposes only
