Georgia-Based FMCG Giants Recognized for Most Admired Leadership
Several leading Georgia-headquartered FMCG companies, including The Coca-Cola Company and The Home Depot, have been recognized for having some of the most admired CEOs in the 2024 Axios-Harris Poll 100 rankings. The annual survey evaluates corporate reputations across key indicators such as trust, ethics, and growth, offering critical insights into how industry leadership is perceived by U.S. consumers.
Coca-Cola, a global beverage heavyweight, ranked 18th in the survey out of 100 companies. Its CEO, James Quincey, was ranked among the top 10 “most admired” by American respondents. The Home Depot, another FMCG force based in Georgia, secured the 13th spot overall, with its CEO Edward Decker also recognized for strong leadership appeal.
The Axios-Harris Poll 100 is based on a two-step methodology, first identifying the most visible companies in America and then ranking them across seven dimensions of reputation: citizenship, ethics, growth, products and services, culture, vision, and trust. Each brand receives a Reputation Quotient (RQ) score based on public perception.
Coca-Cola’s prominence in the rankings underscores the value of consistent brand trust and ethical leadership in consumer goods. The company outpaced several industry peers in categories tied to legacy, purpose, and innovation. Quincey’s strategic emphasis on portfolio diversification and sustainability initiatives has resonated positively with both consumers and stakeholders.
In addition to Coca-Cola and The Home Depot, Southern Company and United Parcel Service (UPS)—also based in Georgia—secured spots in the top 25, ranking 11th and 17th respectively. Delta Air Lines, Chick-fil-A, and Aflac were also featured in the list, reflecting a strong regional presence in national reputation leadership.
For FMCG professionals, these rankings highlight the growing importance of CEO perception as a proxy for overall brand trust. As consumers increasingly align purchasing behavior with corporate values, strategic leadership will remain a key differentiator in the competitive landscape.