Date of Birth: November 18, 1931
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Date of Death: October 18, 1997
Biography
Roberto Goizueta was a renowned Cuban-American businessman best known for his transformative leadership as the Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company. Born in Cuba, Goizueta emigrated to the United States during the Cuban Revolution. He joined The Coca-Cola Company in 1954 as a chemist in the research and development department. Over the years, he climbed the corporate ladder through various managerial positions, showcasing his prowess in business strategy and operations. In 1980, Goizueta became the CEO of Coca-Cola, a position he held until his death in 1997. His tenure was marked by significant growth and expansion for the company, effectively turning Coca-Cola into one of the most recognized and valuable brands globally. Under his leadership, Coca-Cola’s market value increased from $4 billion to $150 billion, a testament to his visionary approach and business acumen. Goizueta was a firm believer in the power of marketing and brand loyalty, strategies that placed Coca-Cola far ahead of its competitors.
5 Interesting Facts about Roberto Goizueta
1. Roberto Goizueta fled Cuba in 1960 during the Cuban Revolution, leaving behind a life of privilege.
2. He was one of the first Hispanic CEOs of a major American corporation.
3. Goizueta earned a degree in chemical engineering from Yale University.
4. During his tenure, Coca-Cola introduced Diet Coke, which became the world’s top-selling diet cola.
5. He was known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and healthcare.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Roberto Goizueta
1. “The cynics will tell you that the good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. I say, do it anyway.”
2. “If you’re not a risk taker, you should get the hell out of business.”
3. “The moment avoiding failure becomes your motivation, you’re down the path of inactivity. You stumble only if you’re moving.”
4. “In real life, strategy is actually very straightforward. You pick a general direction and implement like hell.”
5. “Leadership is one of the things you cannot delegate. You either exercise it, or you abdicate it.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Roberto Goizueta achieved a net worth estimated at $1 billion.
Children
Roberto Goizueta had three children: Roberto Goizueta Jr., Olga Goizueta, and Javier Goizueta.
Relevant Links
2. [Roberto Goizueta on Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/profile/roberto-goizueta/
3. [Yale University Tribute](https://yalealumnimagazine.com/articles/2090-roberto-goizueta-31-97
