Ozarks Coca-Cola appoints new CEO

The Ozarks Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Board of Directors has appointed a new CEO to succeed its longtime leader.

Bruce Long is succeeding Edwin “Cookie” Rice, according to a news release issued yesterday.

Long is being promoted from president and chief operating officer. He'll maintain his president role in addition to the CEO title. He's the fifth person to lead the company founded in 1921.

“Bruce’s career with us spans 23 years, and through that time he has been involved in almost every aspect of the company. He’s become an integral member of Ozarks Coca-Cola’s leadership team, and the commitment and invigoration he’s brought us has been inspiring,” said Sally Hargis, Ozarks Coca-Cola Bottling Co. chair and vice president, in the release. “He’s served as our president and COO since 2015, and in that time his integrity, strategy and leadership have been invaluable to the continued growth and success of our company."

Rice has served as CEO of the third-generation family-owned company since 1970. He’s worked full time at Ozarks Coca-Cola - started by his father Edwin Rice Sr. - since 1953, according to past reporting. Hargis is Rice’s daughter, and she was elected chair in 2016.

“I am honored to assume the role of CEO and follow in the footsteps of Mr. Rice,” Long said in the release. "We have an amazing group of people led by a passionate leadership team, and I look forward to continuing our tradition of outstanding service to the communities and associates who have been the foundation of the Ozarks Coca-Cola Bottling Co. for over a century.”

As president, Long helped oversee a $40 million, 432,000-square-foot expansion at its Springfield headquarters that was completed in 2021, according to past reporting.

With more than 800 employees, Ozarks Coca-Cola serves around 2.3 million customers through local, regional and national outlets, according to the release. With products manufactured in Springfield, the company has sales and distribution branches throughout southern Missouri and northwest Arkansas.