Coca-Cola extends partnership with Special Olympics 

US – The Coca-Cola Company and Special Olympics have announced an eight-year extension of their longstanding global partnership, marking the longest renewal in their history. 

This agreement extends their collaboration through 2031, reflecting Coca-Cola’s unwavering support for Special Olympics’ mission to highlight the unlimited potential of individuals with intellectual disabilities and to celebrate the transformative power of sports. 

The Coca-Cola Company, a founding partner of Special Olympics since its inception in 1968, has continually championed inclusion through various initiatives. 

“We are honored and grateful to continue our long-standing partnership with Coca-Cola to create an inclusive world for everyone,” said Mary Davis, CEO of Special Olympics.  

“As our founding partner and global sponsor for the past 56 years, Coca-Cola has helped us transform the lives of one of the most marginalized populations of people across the globe – those with intellectual disabilities.” 

Coca-Cola supports Special Olympics through monetary and in-kind donations, volunteer support, and awareness-driving marketing initiatives.  

James Quincey, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company and a member of the Special Olympics Board of Directors, emphasized the partnership’s significance. 

“Special Olympics, much like Coca-Cola, helps bring people together through sports, inclusivity, and celebration. We’re proud to continue supporting this important organization while cheering on every athlete courageously pursuing their dreams.” 

Additionally, Coca-Cola has been named the new Worldwide Partner of CONMEBOL Copa América 2024.  

This South American Football Confederation sponsorship will give Coca-Cola and Powerade global visibility throughout all Copa América 2024 matches, with promotions across digital, in-venue, and TV properties. 

“As we look ahead to 2026, this is an incredible opportunity for us to work directly with CONMEBOL to help foster passion for the sport in the U.S. through multiple brand touchpoints and experiences,” said Shakir Moin, President of Marketing for Coca-Cola North America. 

Coca-Cola names new President of Global Category 

These partnerships come as Coca-Cola welcomes Arnab Roy, recently named president of the Coca-Cola global category.

Roy, a Coca-Cola veteran who joined the company in 2001, has most recently served as vice president of marketing for the India & Southwest Asia operating unit.  

He will succeed Selman Careaga, who began a new role on June 1 as president of the company’s ASEAN & South Pacific operating unit.  

Roy will start his new duties on September 1, reporting to Manolo Arroyo, executive vice president and global chief marketing officer. 

“Arnab comes to this new role with a strong track record in building teams and leading marketers across multiple geographies and cultures,” Arroyo said. “He has driven results throughout his career, especially in his most recent role in India.” 

From 2018 to 2020, Roy served as Global Vice President for Trademark Coca-Cola, where he developed plans to accelerate the growth of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar across the company’s top 40 markets. 

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