SVP, general counsel at Coca-Cola to retire

ATLANTA — Coca-Cola on Thursday announced that Geoffrey Kelly will be retiring from his post as SVP and general counsel.

Kelly, who joined the company in 1970, will retire in February 2012. He has served in the role of SVP and general counsel since 2005.

Succeeding Kelly is Bernhard Goepelt, who will take on the role of SVP general counsel and chief legal counsel, effective immediately. Kelly will remain SVP during a transition period, Coca-Cola noted.

In related news, the beverage giant also announced that its board of directors has added former Chicago mayor Richard Daley to its team. In this capacity, Daley will serve on the company’s Committee on Directors and Corporate Governance. Daley currently serves as of counsel at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, an international law firm, and is the managing principal of Tur Partners LLC, an investment and advisory firm.