Coke Florida appoints retail technology veteran Gerald Charles, Jr. as Chief Information Officer

Coca-Cola Beverages Florida reports that Gerald T. Charles, Jr. has joined the company as Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer.

His career spans multiple industries and a broad base of technology initiatives including omnichannel customer experiences, productivity driving solutions, and network infrastructures with companies such as Capital One, Under Armour, Cisco, TRW, and OAO Technology Solutions.

"We are excited to welcome Gerald to the Coke Florida family. His deep IT experience and collaborative business approach will help us build innovative capabilities and solutions to drive profitable growth. His reputation as a thought leader demonstrates the spirit of collaboration that aligns with our customer-centric approach," says Troy Taylor, Coke Florida’s Chairman and CEO.

Charles, Jr. comments: “I am excited to build upon the success of the team and deliver on the next set of competencies for even greater customer experiences and long-term scalable growth.”

Terrence Gee, Coke Florida’s Senior Vice President, Technology and Enterprise Transformation, has been with the company since its founding in 2015. He will transition to an advisor role with a focus on the automation of the company’s warehouses in Tampa, Orlando, and Broward County.

“I have worked with Terrence for over 20 years, and he has played a key role in the strategic initiatives that have helped transform Coke Florida’s operations for growth. He will now provide guidance on our warehouse and delivery automation activities to create a better working environment for our associates, a better customer experience for our business partners, and better business outcomes for our company,” says Taylor.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Omnichannel retail will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which will open for entries in April, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.