(Des Moines, Iowa – October 4, 2022) – Kirk Tyler, the long-time leader of Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company, announced to employees yesterday (Monday), that Rob Feeney and his wife, Jessica, have become majority owners of the company. Rob will become the CEO and Kirk will remain Chairman of the Board. Tyler, who succeeded his own father, Jim, as leader of the family-owned company, is a 48-year veteran of Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company.

Feeney said “My previous position as President and COO has provided me with valuable insights and experience regarding the company and our team, so I know we are well-positioned for continued growth. Feeney has served as an executive in the company for the past seven years. He said “I am excited about the future and am confident in what we can accomplish, but I also want to thank Kirk, the board and the Tyler family for giving me the opportunity to lead the company. I am both grateful and humbled by this opportunity.”

Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company, which was originally founded by Kirk Tyler’s grandfather in 1909 in southwest Iowa, now boasts well over 100 years of success. Feeney and his wife, Jessica (Tyler) Feeney, represent the fourth generation of the family to run the business, which now has more than 800 employees and nine distribution centers that supply customers with a wide variety of products in five states.

“It is hard to believe it has been 42 years since I moved to the Des Moines area to help lead the company my grandfather started, but I am very proud of what we have accomplished, as the company has quadrupled in size and we have even bigger plans in-store,” offered Tyler. “But I know it is time for the next generation to step-up and move the company forward, just like my dad gave me the opportunity to do years ago.”

For both Tyler and Feeney, continuing to have strong family involvement in the company is important, so several members of the family currently work for or serve the company in various capacities. “I plan to continue visiting our various locations as a representative of the family. I will also stay active in industry affairs and serve on other boards, including continuing my role as Chairman of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and Chairman of Southeastern Container Corporation,” he said.

Feeney said he is focused on continued growth by reinvesting back in the business, employees and the communities which they serve. Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company will focus on growth, while maintaining the company’s position as a private, family-owned, independent bottler and distributor for all Coca-Cola products. “Succession planning is a part of every successful company, and Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company is no different. Kirk and I have been working on these long-term plans for several years and I cannot thank him enough for the confidence in me and our team,” offered Feeney.

“Kirk’s dedication and commitment to our business has led to impressive levels of growth and success, so I want to personally thank him for his many years of service and leadership and congratulate him on his career.”