NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - October 30, 2008) - Muhtar Kent, president and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, will be honored with the top award of the United States Council for International Business at a November 12 gala in New York.

Mr. Kent was tapped to head the beverage giant in part because of extensive international experience. The Coca-Cola Company recently reported solid third-quarter earnings, bucking the downbeat trend among many top companies, thanks in large part to growth in sales outside the United States.

According to USCIB Chairman William G. Parrett, Mr. Kent exemplifies the spirit of the council's International Leadership Award, which is accorded annually to a top CEO.

"Muhtar Kent's background demonstrates why U.S.-based companies are increasingly moving into their international ranks to find top talent," said Mr. Parrett, former CEO of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. "He has demonstrated the global mindset necessary to push one's company into new markets and into the vanguard of global business."

Speakers at the gala event, which takes place at the Waldorf-Astoria, include Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska and Hal Scott of Harvard Law School, director of the Committee on Capital Markets Regulation. Senator Hagel will address the results of the U.S. elections, while Professor Scott will focus on the global financial system. The annual USCIB award gala draws hundreds of business leaders as well as dignitaries from government and diplomatic circles. More information on the event is available at www.uscibgala.com.

Recent recipients of USCIB's award include Fisk Johnson of SC Johnson, Terry McGraw of McGraw-Hill and Jean-René Fourtou of Vivendi Universal.

Mr. Kent joined The Coca-Cola Company in 1978 and has held a variety of marketing and operations roles, both in the U.S. and overseas. He served as president and CEO of the Efes Beverage Group in Istanbul from 1999 until his return to The Coca-Cola Company in 2005. He became CEO in July of 2008.

USCIB promotes an open system of global commerce. Its membership encompasses leading U.S. companies, professional services firms and associations. As American affiliate of several leading global business groups, USCIB provides business views to policy makers and regulatory authorities worldwide and works to facilitate international trade.

Contact Information: CONTACT: Jonathan Huneke VP Communications USCIB (212) 703-5043