Coca-Cola HBC, on Thursday announced the appointment of Zoran Bogdanovic as its new chief executive officer (CEO), succeeding Dimitris Lois who passed away in October after a brief illness.

According to the company, Mr. Bogdanovic will also be nominated as an executive director of the firm at the company’s next General Meeting of Shareholders.

Bogdanovic is currently a Region Director, responsible for operations in 12 countries and has been a member of the Coca-Cola HBC’s Operating Committee since 2013. He joined the group in 1996 and has held a number of senior leadership positions including as General Manager of the company’s operations in Croatia, Switzerland and Greece.

“Following a thorough process and benchmarking exercise, the board is delighted to announce Zoran’s appointment as chief executive officer,” said Anastassis David, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Coca-Cola HBC.

“Zoran has a track record of delivering results in diverse markets across our territories. His ability to bring out the best in people and apply innovative thinking to new challenges makes him the ideal choice to lead Coca-Cola HBC through its growth era.”

The company has been under the leadership of Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Michalis Imellos since Lois took a medical leave of absence in September.

Coca-Cola HBC is the anchor bottler of the Coca-Cola Company in 28 mostly European countries and Nigeria.