Heartland Coca-Cola Announces Planned Leadership Transition

OLATHE, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On November 3, 2026, Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company announced a planned leadership transition that positions the company for continued growth while ensuring continuity across the organization.

Effective January 2027, Chuck Wyant will continue serving as Chief Operating Officer while beginning a planned transition to retirement in the first quarter of 2028. At that time, Jeff Carter, currently Senior Vice President, Sales & Service, will assume the role of President of Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling.

The transition comes as Heartland approaches its 10-year anniversary in February 2027, marking a decade of growth, investment, and service across the communities and customers the company serves.

"Heartland has always been built on strong leadership, strong partnerships, and exceptional people," said Justin Bridgeman, Chief Executive Officer of Heartland Coca-Cola. "Chuck has played an instrumental role in helping shape Heartland into the company it is today. His leadership, commitment to our employees, and dedication to our customers have left a lasting impact on our organization. At the same time, Jeff has consistently demonstrated the vision, operational excellence, and people-focused leadership needed to guide Heartland into its next chapter. I have tremendous confidence in both of these leaders and in this thoughtful transition plan."

Wyant's Coca-Cola career spans more than four decades, beginning as a route driver in 1985. Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles across multiple functions and markets, helping organizations achieve growth, navigate change, and develop future leaders.

"Serving alongside the people of Heartland has been one of the greatest privileges of my career," said Chuck Wyant, current President and Chief Operating Officer. "What makes this company special is its people. Together, we have built a culture rooted in consistent, predictable, and sustainable results, and care for one another. Over the next year, I look forward to working closely with Jeff to ensure a seamless transition and continued success for our employees, customers, and communities."

Carter has more than 30 years of experience within the Coca-Cola system and currently leads Heartland's Sales & Service organization. Throughout his career, he has held numerous leadership positions across multiple Coca-Cola organizations and has played a key role in driving commercial growth and strengthening customer relationships.

"I am honored by the opportunity to serve as President of Heartland Coca-Cola," said Jeff Carter, current Senior Vice President, Sales & Service. "Heartland has an extraordinary team and a strong foundation for future success. I am grateful for Chuck's mentorship and leadership and look forward to building on the momentum we have created together. My commitment is to continue investing in our people, serving our customers, and delivering long-term growth for our company and the communities we call home."

The planned transition reflects Heartland's commitment to long-term succession planning, leadership development, and operational continuity. Wyant and Carter will work together throughout 2027 to ensure a smooth leadership transition while maintaining focus on Heartland's strategic priorities and growth initiatives.

About Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company

Headquartered in Olathe, Kansas, Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company, LLC is a leading Coca-Cola bottler in the Midwest, proudly serving more than 25,000 customers and 10 million consumers. Each year, Heartland sells over 50 million cases and offers more than 650 unique products across its territories in Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois, as well as counties in Iowa and Nebraska. Founded in 2017 by former NBA professional and business leader Junior Bridgeman, who had longstanding ties to Coca-Cola, Heartland is guided by the Bridgeman family’s founding principles of promoting a culture that values how our people think, feel and act, partnering with our customers to grow our businesses, being a positive influence by connecting with and serving local communities, and delivering the highest-quality products and service to customers and consumers. In June 2025, Heartland officially announced the grand opening of its state-of-the-art Olathe Production Campus (OPC). This significant generational investment supports local economic growth while enhancing the company’s production capabilities for years to come.

For more information on the company, please visit www.heartlandcocacola.com.