Which CEO of Coca-Cola introduced New Coke in 1985?

Roberto Goizueta introduced New Coke as Coca-Cola's CEO in 1985.

Goizueta became Coca-Cola's chief executive in 1980 and pushed the company to challenge long-standing assumptions about its products. Coca-Cola's market share was under pressure from Pepsi, and taste tests suggested many consumers preferred Pepsi's sweeter flavor. The company therefore reformulated its flagship drink and launched New Coke in the United States on April 23, 1985.

The rollout became one of the most famous marketing miscalculations in business history. Consumers strongly objected to the disappearance of the original formula, prompting Coca-Cola to restore it just 79 days later under the name Coca-Cola Classic. New Coke was eventually renamed Coke II in 1990 and discontinued in 2002.

A common mix-up is Robert Woodruff, the earlier Coca-Cola chairman who helped build the brand's global reach, or Asa Candler, who founded the modern Coca-Cola Company in the 19th century. Goizueta, a Cuban-born executive, remained CEO until his death in 1997 and also oversaw the launches of Diet Coke and Cherry Coke.