Suzanne Werner

Background

About Suzanne Werner

As a strategic, business-minded general counsel, I partner with executive teams and brand partners at The Coca-Cola Company to proactively manage global legal and regulatory risks, support product launches, facilitate revenue growth, and safeguard the company. Bridging the gap between complex legal concepts and daily business operations, I empower leaders to understand the potential risks and impacts, allowing them to make better decisions and deliver desired results. Building deep trust and fostering transparent communication, I break down traditional lawyer barriers, creating an environment where leadership openly shares challenges and seeks legal input prior to making decisions. This ability to integrate legal into the core of daily operations has positioned me as a trusted advisor and integral business asset. CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Led complex litigation and arbitration (US, UK, Turkey, China): consumer class action, trademark, patent, copyright, contract, fraud, false advertising, trade secrets, employment. Secured favorable outcomes in numerous high-stakes legal disputes, mitigating risk, protecting future innovation, shaping business strategy, and safeguarding brands. Led the integration of in-house legal functions at Costa Coffee, innocent juice + smoothies, and Dogaden Tea to create one consolidated function at Coca-Cola, aligned on strategy, compliance, and operations. Strategically managed the Coca-Cola / Monster relationship, driving energy category growth by acting as a legal and business catalyst to ensure success. AREAS OF EXPERTISE Legal Strategy Consumer Litigation & Arbitration Risk Management Global Regulatory Compliance Corporate Governance Litigation Management Operational Excellence Project Management Stakeholder Management Strategic Partnerships Conflict Resolution Negotiation Budget Management Team Leadership