The man who reached the top of one of the world's most valuable brands started at that company carrying cola crates and organizing market shelves. Muhtar Kent's story is the best evidence for those who say "starting from the bottom is not something to be ashamed of, it is a place to start."
Born in 1952 in New York as the son of a diplomat father, his childhood was spent in countries like Thailand, India and Iran, immersed in different cultures. After completing his high school education, he went to England to study at Hull University, and later earned an MBA in London. In 1978, through a newspaper advertisement, he started working in Coca-Cola's Turkey operations. His first task was not a glamorous executive office: it was traveling the country in trucks selling cola, handling distribution and organizing market shelves.
From the front of the shelves to the top
Over the years, Kent worked at various levels of Coca-Cola and served in different geographies. In this process, he learned not only about a company but also about cultures, languages, and what matters to people in different parts of the world. In 2008, he became CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, and in 2009, chairman of the board. After carrying out these duties for many years, he handed over the flag in 2016 and 2019 respectively.
MILESTONES
• Born in New York as the son of a diplomat father.
• His childhood was spent in countries like Thailand, India, and Iran.
• Studied at Hull University in England and earned an MBA in London.
• In 1978, he started working at Coca-Cola through a newspaper advertisement, selling cola from a truck.
• Became CEO in 2008 and chairman of the board in 2009.
• Successfully handed over his duties in 2016 and 2019.
The philosophy of a leader
Kent attributed his leadership understanding to knowing the world. According to him, managing a global company required truly understanding different cultures, languages, and people's priorities.
"If you are managing a global business, you have to understand what is important for people in different parts of the world. You must be comfortable living in Munich as well as in Bombay."
Muhtar Kent's 40-year journey reminds us of a forgotten truth in the shadow of promises of quick success: some peaks are reached not by elevator but step by step. And the strongest leaders are often those who have personally seen the bottom of the business.
