Key Takeaways
- Driscoll's has appointed Wadih J. Khayat as its new Chief Financial Officer, reporting directly to CEO Soren Bjorn.
- Khayat will oversee global finance, technology, and strategy, working alongside regional and functional leaders across the company's global grower network.
- He joins Driscoll's after more than two decades at The Coca-Cola Company, where he held senior CFO roles across Europe, Asia Pacific, and global headquarters in Atlanta.
- The appointment comes as Driscoll's prepares to launch its next long-term strategic plan.
- Khayat is based at Driscoll's global headquarters in Watsonville, California, having relocated from Ireland.
Driscoll's, the world's leading fresh berry company, has announced the appointment of Wadih J. Khayat as its new Chief Financial Officer. Khayat reports to CEO Soren Bjorn and will be responsible for overseeing global finance, technology, and strategy. He will work closely with regional and functional leaders to support capital deployment and the long-term success of the company's network of independent growers.
A Finance Executive With Global Experience
Khayat brings extensive international experience to the role, having spent more than two decades at The Coca-Cola Company in senior finance leadership positions around the world.
Previous Roles at Coca-Cola
Most recently, Khayat served as Senior Vice President and CFO for Coca-Cola's Europe business, overseeing operations across 38 countries. Prior to that, he held the position of CFO for the Asia Pacific Group, and also served as CFO and Head of Strategy for Coca-Cola Global Ventures at the company's Atlanta headquarters. He began his career in audit at Ernst & Young.
Joining Driscoll's at a Strategic Moment
The appointment comes at a significant point in the company's development, as Driscoll's prepares to roll out its next long-term strategic plan. According to the company, Khayat's financial expertise and leadership experience are expected to strengthen Driscoll's financial foundation and support its global operations.
Background and Location
Khayat was born in Lebanon and educated in France, and speaks English, French, and Arabic fluently. Having relocated from Ireland, he is now based at Driscoll's global headquarters in Watsonville, California.
Driscoll Leadership Quotes
“Wadih joins Driscoll's at an important moment for our company. As we prepare to launch our next long-term strategic plan, his strategic financial expertise, disciplined execution and caring leadership will strengthen our financial foundation, support our global teams and position us for the future,” said Soren Bjorn, CEO of Driscoll's.
“Driscoll's has a century-long legacy of exceptional berries, strong partnerships with growers and a deep commitment to the communities where we live and work. That legacy drew me to the company, and it's a responsibility I take seriously. I was especially struck by the strength of the brand, the trust it has earned globally and the unique network of independent growers and teams delivering berries every day. I'm excited about what lies ahead,” said Wadih J. Khayat, incoming CFO of Driscoll's.
