Henry Aaron Schimberg

1933 - 2012
Henry Schimberg, former CEO of Coca-Cola Enterprises, died on June 29, 2012 while traveling in Europe. He was 79.

Born in Chicago in 1933 to Judith and Arnold Schimberg, he was raised on the South side with his three siblings. A lauded neighborhood athlete, he spent his early years playing baseball, where he excelled as a center fielder, and was known for the unmatched accuracy of his arm. He went on to attend Beloit College in Wisconsin, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1954.

Henry's career trajectory was legendary; starting as a truck driver at Royal Crown Bottling Co. in Chicago, he worked his way through the business. He retired from RC as president of company-owned plants before joining Coca-Cola Bottling Group in 1982 as president and COO, expanding its revenues tenfold during his tenure. In 1991, he was named president and COO of Coca-Cola Enterprises, becoming CEO in 1998. Under his guidance CCE experienced the most financially successful period in its history.

In 1991, Henry was elected Man of the Year by Beverage Industry magazine and in 1996 he was inducted into the Beverage World Hall of Fame. He served as chairman of the National Soft Drink Association from 1994 to 1996.

Following his retirement in 2000, he remained actively engaged in business. Along with serving as a board member for several organizations Henry continued his work with Coca-Cola, acting as a special advisor and consultant to the Board of Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company in Greece.

In 2005 Henry established an endowment at the University of California at Santa Barbara with the goal of developing a strong sense of personal and business ethics among future business and corporate leaders.

A lifelong wine enthusiast, Henry purchased the Turner Vineyard, and established Rarus Cellars in 2009.

Henry was a loving father to his children; he touched many lives and will be greatly missed.

Henry is survived by his wife, Marjorie Layden; his two children, Aaron and Alexis, of his first wife Linda; and by his siblings: Elsa Dimick, Dorothy "Dee Dee" Gartman and Jake Schimberg. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the American Heart Association.