Ad Council to Honor Coca-Cola Chief

Muhtar Kent to Receive 56th Annual Public Service Award

Posted by Karen Egolf on 06.24.09 @ 05:26 PM

The Ad Council has selected Muhtar Kent, chairman-CEO of Coca-Cola Co., to receive its 56th annual Public Service Award. The award will be presented at the Ad Council's annual dinner Nov. 18 in New York.

According to the Ad Council, Mr. Kent was chosen for this year's award because of his work in expanding Coca-Cola Co.'s "commitment to public service, providing significant contributions to many social issues addressed by the Ad Council's campaigns, including improving healthy lifestyles, preserving the environment and providing educational opportunities for students around the globe." The company has supported the Ad Council since 1947.

The Ad Council has been honoring corporate leaders for their commitment to public service since 1953. Previous honorees include Bob Wright, Ted Turner, Katharine Graham and A.G. Lafley. As in the past, this year's award will be presented by last year's recipient, Jeffrey Immelt, chairman-CEO of General Electric Co.