Executive search firm Egon Zehnder International has appointed Dick Patton as leader of its US consumer practice group.

The consumer practice group recruits and develops top talent leadership teams for the consumer products, retail, sports, new media and hospitality industries.

Patton joined the company after a successful career as a general manager and marketer with The Coca-Cola Company in North and South America, managing several well known brands: Coca-Cola, Sprite, Nestea, Fresca and Tab.

Greig Schneider, co-leader of Egon Zehnder in the US, says: “We are excited about Dick leading the US consumer practice. He co-founded the firm’s growing global chief marketing officer practice, a critical function for consumer companies, and understands the pressures and talent skills needed at the senior levels in this important sector.”