Atlanta-based Coca-Cola and Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo are archrivals when it comes to getting Coke and Pepsi into the hands of consumers.
Donald R. Keough
The rivalry, however, was shelved – if only for a moment – on Thursday when PepsiCo took out a half-page ad in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution to pay respects to former Coca-Cola President Donald R. Keough, who died Tuesday at age 88.
The Pepsico ad on A14 simply says simply, “In memory of Donald R. Keough” and “With deep respect and admiration.”
Coca-Cola thanked PepsiCo in a tweet: “Thanks, @PepsiCo, for your gracious tribute to Don Keough in our hometown paper. His legendary leadership made us all better.”
As the No. 2 executive at Coke, Keough helped legendary CEO Robert Goizueta strengthen Coke’s brand around the world and build stronger bonds with bottlers.
The PepsiCo ad was signed by Indra Nooyi, chairman and chief executive officer; Donald Kendall, PepsiCo co-founder and former chairman and CEO; Steven Reinemund, former chairman and CEO; and Roger Enrico, former chairman and CEO.
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