John H. Sherman III has been elected to serve as board chairman of Coca-Cola Bottling Company United Inc., pending shareholder approval. He will succeed Conrad Rafield III, who is retiring effective April 28, 2026.
Sherman, who currently serves as board vice chairman, retired as United’s president and CEO in 2022 after 32 years with the Birmingham-based bottler, and more than 40 years with the Coca-Cola System. His election marks a historic milestone for the company, as he is set to become the first non-Johnson family member to hold the board chairman seat.
During Sherman’s tenure as president and CEO, United completed a multi-year expansion that more than tripled the size of the company. Today, United has more than 50 facilities throughout the Southeast and employs more than 10,000 associates.
“John is a deeply respected leader who has been an important voice for our company for many years. I can think of no one better to carry this responsibility forward, and I am very pleased that he has been elected to serve as our next board chairman and continue the legacy of leadership that defines United,” said current Board Chairman Conrad Rafield III.
United President and CEO Mike Suco said, “Our company has long benefitted from John’s experience and the perspective he brings to the business. We are very fortunate to elect him as our next board chairman.”