Willow Springs grad tapped as Coca-Cola VP in Europe

Gary McElyea, a graduate of Willow Springs High School, has been promoted to a new leadership role with The Coca-Cola Company in Europe. Now based in Dublin, Ireland, McElyea will serve as vice president of Coca-Cola’s public policy and government affairs, steering the department’s work across Europe. He has been with Coca-Cola since 2011 and most recently served as senior director of public affairs, communications and sustainability for Great Britain and Ireland. McElyea holds an Master of Business Administration degree from Missouri State University. Before joining Coca-Cola, he worked in Missouri state government as director of communications for former Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder. In his new role, McElyea will work with government officials and other groups on issues important to Coca-Cola’s business in Europe.