Mike Weinstein Retires.
Reflects on Industry: 'Pull Our Heads Out of the Sand.'
Industry Leaders: 'Bold, Creative Business Judgment.'
'Friend to the Industry.' 'First Class Executive.'

Mike Weinstein -- one of industry's most respected/liked executives -- retires at year-end. His 31-year stint in beverage business ranged from Pepsi to A&W to Triarc/RC/ Snapple to Cadbury. He is currently president innovation/business development Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages. Weinstein is best known in recent years for his leadership in reviving Snapple after its unfortunate years under Quaker Oats ownership. Career details. Weinstein began career in beverage business with Pepsi. Joined A&W in 1981 and became president/COO in 1991. Cadbury acquired A&W in 1993, and Weinstein left to form Liquid Logic Consulting Group. He re-entered beverage business in 1995 when Triarc bought Mistic and named Weinstein CEO. In 1996, Weinstein took over management of Royal Crown, also owned by Triarc. Triarc acquired Snapple in 1997 and put it under Weinstein's leadership. When Cadbury acquired Snapple in 2000, Weinstein continued as CEO until he moved to innovation post in 2001.

Interview. BD asks Weinstein: Your thoughts on state of industry? MW: "The bad news is somehow our products have slipped into the center of a nutritional debate when all they were meant for was fun and refreshment. We desperately need a way to get aligned as an industry, pull our heads out of the sand and lead the discussion in a positive direction. The good news, actually it's great news, is that beverages are ideally positioned to capitalize on the convenience trend because of their portability and ingestability. Where we take this is only limited by our imagination."

Future innovation opportunities for Coke, Pepsi and Cadbury? "There's been lots of talk around the 'I' word over the past few years. But all I'm seeing is line extensions. I think the biggest challenge for all of us is the mental and financial staying power to develop and nurture an idea that's not mainstream day one. I believe the best opportunities will lie in a little ingredient science and a lot of clever positioning."

Your plans? "Since I'm having trouble finding a trailer park I like, I'll be staying in the Northeast, doing more work with some local charities I'm involved with, writing a speech with a working title 'The Snapple Lessons,' hopefully diving more often in the Caribbean and likely watching developments in the beverage industry."

Views I. Weinstein is highly regarded by industry leaders. Jack Belsito, president of Snapple/Motts who succeeded Weinstein as head of Snapple: "He's been one of the most important figures in the industry. The Snapple turnaround was important to the industry and to Cadbury." Ralph Crowley, CEO of Polar Beverages: "His creativity, sense of humor, and business acumen make him a great partner." Adds: "I'm sure we have not seen the last of him. He must have at least one more company to start and sell to some enthusiastic acquirer." Roger Easley, CEO of 7UP San Francisco: "He's an executive with bold, creative business judgment. He's not concerned about being controversial."

Views II. George Kalil, CEO of Kalil Bottling: "Each time he's appeared in a role in the industry, he's been a benefit to the independent bottlers. He's a creative and a solid guy who's been a good friend to the industry." Jim Turner, CEO Dr Pepper/Seven Up Bottling Group: "Mike has been an innovator in our industry, and his creative entrepreneurship will be missed." Jack Stahl, former president Coca-Cola Co, now president/CEO of Revlon: "Mike is a great marketer wrapped up inside a first class executive." Current cola system executive: "I'm not buying any of this. There have been retirement parties for Mike before, but he's been a colossal failure at relaxing. He's living, hyper-animated proof that this industry is about fast-paced fun."