Over his tenure as chief financial officer and executive vice president, he helped the company double its revenues to more than $47 billion. In those roles, he oversaw mergers and acquisitions, investor relations, and risk management.
Retiring in 2014 after 20 years of service, with 15 years in the CFO role, one of Fayard’s greatest accomplishments was leading the acquisition of Coca-Cola’s North American bottling and distribution business in 2010 for $12 billion. As part of his oversight over the company’s global finance operations, he established shared service centers in Ireland, the Philippines, and other locations around the world.
Through his tenure, he earned a reputation as a leader that could talk long-term strategy as well as the operational details. He prioritized the personal and professional growth of those reporting to him. Industry publications have recognized Fayard for his leadership capabilities: for three years running Institutional Investor named him the top CFO in the beverage industry and was a member of its “All-America Executive Team” for 2012. Furthermore, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Atlanta Business Chronicle in 2015.
Prior to joining Coca-Cola, Fayard served 19 years with Ernst & Young, concluding his service there as a partner, area director of audit services, and area director of manufacturing services.
Upon retirement, he started Stonewall Ridge Farm, a registered black Angus seedstock operation in Tennessee.
He serves on the board of directors of Genuine Parts Co. and Monster Energy Corp. He is the past president of the Atlanta-area Council of the Boy Scouts of America and chaired its successful $15 million fundraising campaign.
Through his involvement with The Coca-Cola Foundation, The University of Alabama was the first public institution to receive Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarships. He is a member of The University of Alabama President’s Cabinet and is on the board of visitors for UA’s Culverhouse College of Business.
Fayard attended The University of Alabama where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting –– the department that now houses the Fayard Endowed Chair of Accounting.
He was born in Atmore, Alabama and has been married to Nancy Shell Fayard for 46 years. They have two sons, John and Chris, and three grandchildren.
