Coca-Cola communications SVP takes newly created role at NBTY

RONKONKOMA, N.Y. — NBTY on Tuesday named Sonya Soutus to the newly-created position of SVP public affairs and communications, where she will provide strategic leadership in the creation and implementation of communications, government relations and stakeholder initiatives. 

 

"As we strive to establish NBTY as the unequivocal global leader in wellness products, we felt it was critical to implement an all-encompassing public affairs and communications strategy that impacts every company stakeholder — from media, government agencies and officials to our consumers," stated Steve Cahillane, president and CEO NBTY. 

 

With more than 25 years of public affairs and communications experience, Soutus held roles of increasing responsibility throughout Coca-Cola's international business and was most recently SVP public affairs and communications for Coca-Cola in North America. Prior to her tenure at Coca-Cola, she was account group director at Burson Marsteller in the Ukraine, leading USAID projects in that country and also held a number of posts with major media organizations, including KDKA-TV/Westinghouse Broadcasting Corporation in Pittsburgh. 

 

Her international experience includes serving as press secretary for the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Rome, Italy.    

 

Soutus will begin her new role immediately and will be based in Ronkonkoma, N.Y. A proud native of Pittsburgh, Pa., Soutus graduated from Duquesne University School of Journalism.