Coca-Cola CIO Ed Steinike Passes Away

Ed Steinike, the Coca-Cola Co.’s chief information officer, died Friday after a brief illness. 

Steinike, 58, oversaw the company’s technology operations. Coke didn’t immediately name a successor.

According to his obituary: 

"The Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of the Coca-Cola Company, Ed was the consummate Coca-Cola leader and ambassador, a man who led with great care and competence. Without question, Ed was more than simply an IT leader. He was also a business leader whose influence touched so many aspects of the Coca-Cola system and the technology industry as a whole. Equally important, he was a dear friend, mentor, and inspiration for Coca-Cola associates around the world. We will always remember Ed for his quick wit, intellectual curiosity, self-deprecating humor and deep commitment and passion for developing his people. Ed began his tenure at the company as Chief Technology Officer in 2002, and served as Chief Development Officer and CIO of the North America business from 2004 to 2007. He rejoined the company in April 2010, after serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at ING Insurance. Prior to joining Coca-Cola, Ed worked at General Electric for 26 years, holding positions of increasing responsibility in manufacturing, service, engineering and IT, including CIO for GE Energy Services and GE Medical Systems. Ed was a prominent thought leader across the IT world and was a member of various CIO associations." 

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for memorials to Project Open Hand Atlanta (www.openhandatlanta.org); Women in Technology (www.mywit.org); Tech Bridge (www.techbridge.org).

Click here to read the full obituary.