The Coca-Cola Co. has made changes to its senior management team and operating structure. A new corporate function will integrate marketing, innovation and strategic growth.

Mary E. Minnick, president and COO of the company's Asia division, has been assigned to lead the new function. Reporting to Minnick will be chief marketing officer Chuck Fruit; chief innovation/research and development officer Danny Strickland; and the head of strategic growth paths who has yet to be named.

"Under Mary's leadership, this function will be at the forefront as we pursue the right growth opportunities, leverage consumer insights and capitalize on our ability to develop new products, packages and technologies, supported by the right marketing platforms," CEO and chairman Neville Isdell said in a statement.

The company is also realigning its group structure in Europe and adjusting its structure for Asia and Eurasia and the Middle East. The changes include:

* The creation of a European Union Group to include operations in all member states of the EU as well as the European Free Trade Association countries. It will be led by Dominique Reiniche, most recently president of Coca-Cola Enterprises Europe, effective May 1.

* The creation of two new operating groups: a North Asia, Eurasia & Middle East Group and a Southeast Asia & Pacific Rim Group.