Coca-Cola Enterprises, Atlanta, has named John Brock, former chief executive officer of InBev, chief operating officer of Cadbury Schweppes and chairman of Dr Pepper/Seven Up Bottling Group Inc., as its new president and chief executive officer.

“John’s global operations, marketing and brand experience make him uniquely suited to address today’s complex marketplace dynamics,” said CCE Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer Lowry Kline. “His insight and strategic leadership, honed over almost three decades of managing international companies, has made him one of the most respected leaders in the beverage industry. John’s knowledge of both the brand and bottling sides of our business is a powerful combination that will benefit our unparalleled distribution network and brand portfolio to drive value for our shareowners.”

Brock assumes his new role this month, and Kline plans to continue in his post as chairman.

Brock most recently served as chief executive officer of InBev, based in Belgium. Prior to that, he was chief operating officer of Cadbury Schweppes and chairman of Dr Pepper/Seven-Up Bottling Group from March 2000 to January 2003. He was named Beverage Industry’s 2000 Executive of the Year.

Cott Corp, Toronto, has appointed Brent Willis president and chief executive officer, succeeding John Sheppard, who has left the company.

“[Willis] has extensive global experience, as well as a demonstrated track record of driving improved business performance and profitability in highly competitive environments,” said Frank Weise, Cott chairman.

Willis previously served as zone president for InBev Asia Pacific as well as chief commercial officer and chief marketing and sales officer for the Belgium-based brewing company.

The Coca-Cola Co., PepsiCo, Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages and the American Beverage Association, along with the William J. Clinton Foundation, announced new guidelines for school vending that remove most regular soft drinks from schools in favor of lower-calorie waters, unsweetened juices, milk and sports drinks.

The new standards will cap the number of calories at 100 per container except for certain milk and juice products that contain enough nutrition to warrant additional calories.

The agreement is expected to cover 75 percent of school vending programs by the 2008-2009 school year, and to be fully implemented by the 2009-2010 school year, provided school districts are willing to amend existing contracts.

Under the new standards, U.S. elementary schools will sell only water, 8-ounce containers of juice with no added sweeteners and non-fat and low-fat milk. Middle schools will carry the same products as elementary schools, but can increase the container sizes to 10 ounces.

High schools will be able to sell bottled water, low- or no-calorie beverages, 12-ounce servings of milk, 100 percent juice and sports drinks. At least 50 percent of beverages must be water and no- or low-calorie beverages.

“The new guidelines will continue our industry’s work to provide more lower-calorie and nutritious or functional beverages for students,” said Susan Neely, president and chief executive officer at the American Beverage Association. “Limiting calories in schools is a sensible approach that acknowledges our industry’s long-standing belief that school wellness efforts must focus on teaching kids to consume a balanced diet and be physically active.”