Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company Appoints Justin Bridgeman as CEO
Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company, an independent bottler in the Coca-Cola system, has named Justin Bridgeman as its new Chief Executive Officer. The appointment marks a new leadership chapter for the Kansas-based company, which serves customers across Kansas, Missouri, and southern Illinois.
Bridgeman, a long-standing executive within Heartland Coca-Cola, steps up from his previous role as Chief Financial Officer. He brings more than a decade of experience working alongside his father and company co-founder Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman, a former professional NBA player turned business leader. The transition underscores the family’s continued commitment to long-term stewardship and local-market focus in bottling operations.
In a statement, Bridgeman emphasized the company’s ongoing dedication to operational excellence and community engagement. “We remain focused on delivering the highest quality products and service to our customers, while investing in our people and the communities we serve,” he said.
Since acquiring the territory from The Coca-Cola Company in 2017, the Bridgeman family has expanded Heartland’s market presence and modernized its distribution capabilities. The company’s ownership structure aligns with Coca-Cola’s refranchising strategy, aimed at strengthening local agility and responsiveness through independent bottlers.
Industry observers note that Bridgeman’s appointment could signal Heartland’s steady focus on maintaining operational efficiency and reinforcing its regional agility amid shifting consumer demands in the beverage category. His financial acumen is expected to support strategic investments in logistics, sustainability, and digital capabilities—key priorities for modern bottling operations facing cost pressures and evolving retail dynamics.
The Coca-Cola system in North America now comprises a network of nearly 70 independent bottlers, a structure designed to bring brands closer to consumers. Heartland Coca-Cola plays a crucial role in this ecosystem, employing over 2,200 associates and operating multiple production and distribution facilities in the Midwest.
As the beverage sector embraces both traditional retail channels and emerging platforms, Bridgeman’s leadership is set to guide Heartland through a critical phase of growth and transformation.