Coca-Cola chief attacks protectionism

By Francesco Guerrera and Chrystia Freeland in Atlanta

Published: September 14 2007 06:37 | Last updated: September 14 2007 06:37

Neville Isdell, chief executive of Coca-Cola, has criticised corporate leaders for not speaking out against protectionism, warning that the failure of big business to convince politicians and public opinion of the benefits of free trade will harm global growth and companies’ profits.

In a video interview with the Financial Times – in which he also indicated that he might continue to lead the drinks group beyond his 65th birthday next year – Mr Isdell said recent regulatory scandals had prompted chief executives to steer clear of controversial topics such as free trade.

Asked whether business leaders were doing enough to make a public case against rising protectionist sentiment in the US, Mr Isdell said: “No, I don’t think so. I think that, [after] what happened around Enron and the like, a lot of us put our heads below the parapet.

“I think we’re now learning to bring our heads up above the parapet again but I think, certainly on free trade, we need to be more outspoken.â€