Todd Stitzer to Be Next CEO of Cadbury Schweppes.
Sunderland Will Become Chairman.

Cadbury Schweppes announces Dec. 5 that Todd Stitzer will become next global CEO. Actual move will come in May at time of company's annual stockholder meeting. Current CEO John Sunderland will become chairman, succeeding Derek Bonham who will step down. Sunderland will be full-time chairman. Stitzer -- currently chief strategy officer of Cadbury -- was previously CEO of company's Dr Pepper/Seven Up (DPSU) unit from 1997 to 2000. Bonham lauds Sunderland's "superb track record running Cadbury Schweppes." Re Stitzer, Bonham says: "Todd has an outstanding track record, and he will lead the next generation of management in our continuing drive for growth and efficiency." Brock. John Brock continues as COO. Stitzer. Lawyer by background, Stitzer joined Cadbury in 1983 as assistant general counsel. He held several U.S. jobs and in 1991 became group development director for Cadbury in London reporting to then CEO Dominic Cadbury. He returned to U.S. in 1993 taking strategy/marketing role at Cadbury Beverages; became COO in 1995; and then took over leadership of DPSU.

Views. Stitzer is widely respected for his focus, intellect and strategic abilities. Crowley. Polar Beverages CEO Ralph Crowley: "From the independent bottlers' perspective, Todd has all the assets. He lived through the first big 'flush' -- his term -- and at the end of the day with his help our system executed in excess of 100% of the volume of the former bottlers. As we face phase two of the flush, we have been considerably strengthened." Adds, "Strategically through (his recently-led) acquisitions like Snapple, Nantucket Nectars, Hawaiian Punch etc., our system has a very compelling brand portfolio that keeps us important to retailers." Honickman. Harold Honickman, CEO of Pepsi/Canada Dry Honickman: "He's smart and strategic. It's a choice that makes sense." Kalil. George Kalil, CEO of Kalil Beverages: "He has broad knowledge of the industry, great experience and will hopefully carry us to a new level." UK analyst. "Todd was very successful at DPSU. He has a lot of energy, good judgment and integrity."