Roberto C. Goizueta

Roberto C. Goizueta (deceased)

In 1997 "Coca-Cola Chairman Roberto C. Goizueta, a Cuban immigrant who worked his way through the corporate ranks to head one of the world's best-known companies, died Saturday of cancer-related causes. He was 65...

"Working his way up from technical operations, he cultivated a close relationship with Robert Woodruff, who had revitalized the company after taking over in 1923 and who remained its key power broker six decades later.

"Known within the company for dogged work, leaving a clean desk each night and impeccable clothes, Goizueta was named a vice chairman in 1979.

"Woodruff and others on Coke's board, feeling the company was underperforming financially and had become sluggish, moved Goizueta into the presidency in 1980, and on to chairman of the board and chief executive officer on March 1, 1981." 

"Mr. Goizueta was a Director of SunTrust Banks, Inc., SONAT Inc, Ford Motor Company, and Eastman Kodak Company." 


 * Co-founder, Carter Center

Related SourceWatch

 * Goizueta Foundation