W.W. Grainger names Coca-Cola executive to its board of directors

Beatriz “Bea” R. Perez

Chicago-based W.W. Grainger Inc., a supplier of maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) products serving businesses and institutions, has appointed Beatriz “Bea” R. Perez, senior vice president and chief public affairs, communications, and sustainability office of the Coca-Cola Co., to its board of directors.

Perez will serve on the Board Affairs and Nominating Committee and the Compensation Committee of the board.

Named to her current position in March 2017, Perez leads a newly integrated team across public affairs and communications, sustainability, and global partnerships to support The Coca-Cola Company's growth model. In this role, she oversees global public policy and sustainability; external and internal communications; and global community affairs, including The Coca-Cola Foundation the company's philanthropic arm. Perez also has responsibility for the company's sports and entertainment assets and the strategic and operational efforts for its retail, licensing and attractions portfolios. As The Coca-Cola Company's first chief sustainability officer, Perez develops and leads programs on global sustainability with a focus on water stewardship and women's economic empowerment.

Prior to being named chief sustainability officer in 2011, Perez held various roles of increasing responsibility in the North America Operating Division, including chief marketing officer, senior vice president integrated marketing, and multiple field operating roles. As chief marketing officer, she led all aspects of marketing strategy and execution for the North America business encompassing brands, consumers, and information technology.

In addition to Grainger's Board, Perez currently serves on the board of directors of Primerica Inc., where she is also a member of the Compensation Committee. She also is the chair of The Coca-Cola Foundation and serves on several community boards.

In 2014 Hispanic Executive magazine included Perez on its list of Top 10 Leaders, and she was named as one of the "10 Most Powerful Women in Sustainability" by Green Building & Design magazine. She has been featured as one of the 25 Most Powerful Latinas on CNN En Español and in People en Español.