Glen Walter, chief executive officer of Coca-Cola Bottling Investment Group China, recently shared the company's China dream and encouraged students to bravely chase their own dreams during a speech at Donghua University.
Walter is confident about the company's business in China, although growth shifting from investment-driven to consumption-driven might mean short-term challenges. He believes that Coca-Cola remains competitive and will eventually benefit from these changes.
"Our business model fits directly in the new normal in China with more Chinese going to the cinema and dining out more often. We have a lot to benefit from, with the middle class growing and their disposable income also increasing," he said in an interview with Shanghai Daily.
He expects China to become the No. 1 market in the world for the Coca-Cola company within five years.
"College graduates now have a lot more opportunities to explore, with a lot more business opportunities coming up such as e-commerce," Walter told more than 500 students at the Songjiang campus of Donghua University.
"Young students like you will have plenty of chances to discover what you're good at and eventually find the right company that fits your passion," he said.
Coca-Cola's dream has always been about passion, perseverance and purpose, he added, saying that the company continues to seek new ways to connect with consumers in today's fast changing economic environment.
He told students that the company is always looking for individuals that are ambitious, hard working and have a strong sense of integrity.
After graduating from Boston University, Walter started his career in the beverage industry in 1991.
"I found out after graduating that I'm passionate about business and I'm also interested in consumers and brands, and today college graduates should also give more than one shot to build a successful career," he said.
Walter said he really values the partnership between Coca-Cola and the Olympic Games, which will be held in Brazil this year.
"We have printed the Olympic slogan on the Coca-Cola bottles as one of our marketing campaigns in the Olympic year and we want to focus on Coca-Cola's brand value about the inclusiveness of bringing people together for special moments," he said.
