The former senior vice president and CFO of Coca-Cola’s European operations, Wadih J. Khayat, has been appointed as the chief financial officer at Driscoll’s.
In this capacity, Khayat will manage global finance, technology, and strategy, collaborating with regional and functional leaders to guarantee effective capital allocation and support the long-term growth of the berry company’s international network of independent growers.
Khayat transitions from the Coca-Cola enterprise, where he dedicated over twenty years to leading key financial functions worldwide.
Beginning his career in auditing with Ernst & Young, the majority of Khayat’s professional experience has been with the Coca-Cola Company. Throughout his 26-year tenure, he occupied numerous high-level positions, such as CFO for the Asia Pacific division and CFO and head of strategy for Coca-Cola Global Ventures in Atlanta.
For the past year, he served as the senior vice president and CFO of the European division, managing operations across 38 nations.
“Wadih joins Driscoll’s at an important moment for our company,” commented Bjorn, CEO of Driscoll’s. “As we prepare to launch our next long-term strategic plan, his strategic financial expertise, disciplined execution, and caring leadership will strengthen our financial foundation, support our global teams, and position us for the future.”
“Driscoll’s has a century-long legacy of exceptional berries, strong partnerships with growers, and a deep commitment to the communities where we live and work,” Khayat stated. “That legacy drew me to the company, and it’s a responsibility I take seriously. I was especially struck by the strength of the brand, the trust it has earned globally, and the unique network of independent growers and teams delivering berries every day. I’m excited about what lies ahead.”
Driscoll’s boasts a network of over 900 independent growers globally, with berries cultivated in more than 20 countries and available for consumers in over 40 nations, including North America, Australia, Europe, and China.
