Karemacher Will Lead Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Australia
Miles Karemacher is set to become the new Managing Director of the Australian beverage company in January 2027.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in People
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Australia has announced a leadership change, with Miles Karemacher set to take over as Managing Director on 18 January 2027. He will succeed Orlando Rodriguez, who is departing the organisation in early 2027.
Why it matters
The transition marks a significant shift in leadership for one of Australia's largest beverage businesses. The move signals a strategic handover as the company prepares to shift its management oversight following Orlando Rodriguez's tenure.
Orlando Rodriguez joined the company in 2019 and will conclude his tenure in early 2027. Miles Karemacher currently serves as the General Manager for Coca-Cola HBC in Italy.
The players
Miles Karemacher
He is the incoming Managing Director of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Australia and current General Manager of Coca-Cola HBC in Italy.
Orlando Rodriguez
He is the outgoing executive who has led the Australian business since joining the firm in 2019.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Australia
It is a major beverage company operating within the Australian market that manages the distribution and production of various soft drinks.
The details
Miles Karemacher will transition from his current role in Italy to lead the Australian operations, bringing international experience to the local business. Orlando Rodriguez has been with the company since 2019, steering the firm through its recent years of operation.
Timeline
Orlando Rodriguez joined the business in 2019.
Orlando Rodriguez will leave the business in early 2027.
Miles Karemacher becomes Managing Director on 18 January 2027.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition follows the established pattern of rotating senior management between international operations within the broader Coca-Cola system. Moving executives between global divisions helps the company maintain consistent operational standards across its international footprint.
The change in leadership is an internal corporate appointment that is not expected to immediately impact retail product pricing or availability for Australian consumers. Customers should expect business continuity as the company manages the transition of its executive director.
The takeaway
Executive transitions at large consumer firms like Coca-Cola Europacific Partners represent strategic long-term planning for the business. Stakeholders and industry observers will be monitoring how the new leadership influences the company's direction after January 2027.
Further reading
For more information on local corporate updates, visit Australia People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Food Processing.
