9.04.2008 - 03:17pm ET

(CSRwire) OAK BROOK, IL - September 3, 2008 - Ronald McDonald House Charities(R) Board of Trustees elected Muhtar Kent, president and chief executive officer of The Coca-Cola Company, to serve on the Board of Trustees.

"The RMHC Board of Trustees is made up of a dedicated, compassionate group of business and community leaders who are committed to helping children around the world," said Marty Coyne, president and CEO of RMHC, "Coca-Cola has a long-standing tradition of supporting the Charity and we welcome the addition of Muhtar Kent to our Board. He brings a global perspective because of his international career experience that we know will positively impact our mission to improve the health and well being of children."

Kent joined The Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta in 1978 and held a variety of marketing and operations roles throughout the Coca-Cola system until 1999, when he left to become president and CEO of the Efes Beverage Group, the majority shareholder of Turkish bottler Coca-Cola Icecek. He returned to The Coca-Cola Company in May 2005, serving as president and chief operating officer of the North Asia, Eurasia and Middle East Group. In January 2006, Kent was named president of Coca-Cola International, responsible for operations outside of North America. He was appointed president and chief operating officer of the Company in December 2006 and, on July 1, 2008, he succeeded Neville Isdell as chief executive officer of the Company. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from Hull University, England and a Master of Science degree in administrative sciences from London City University.

"It's a tremendous honor for me to be part of an organization that has done so much to improve the quality of life for millions of children and their families around the world," said Kent. "The work and values of RMHC have never been in more demand in our rapidly growing world where children will soon be the majority of the population. I look forward to contributing to these extraordinary efforts and continuing our wonderful relationship."

Kent's nomination was accepted during the summer Board of Trustee meeting held in July.

About RMHC

Ronald McDonald House Charities, a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) corporation, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Its programs are grassroots-driven to enable the Charity to offer help where children need it most - right in their own communities. RMHC makes an immediate, positive impact on children's lives through its global network of local Chapters in 52 countries and its three core programs: the Ronald McDonald House(R), Ronald McDonald Family Room(R) and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile(R). RMHC and its global network of local Chapters have awarded more than $460 million in grants and program services to children's programs around the world. For more information, visit www.rmhc.org.

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