The Honey Baked Ham Company announced Jim Dinkins as its new Chief Executive Officer effective May 10. Dinkins brings over 30 years of experience including an impressive tenure at The Coca-Cola Company.

“I’m honored to be named CEO of such a beloved and iconic brand,” says Dinkins. “The Honey Baked Ham Company is in a unique position to grow. Most importantly, I’m excited to begin working alongside our team members and franchisees to continue building on its 64-year heritage.”

Linda van Rees, current CEO and granddaughter of The Honey Baked Ham Company founder, announced she will retire as CEO.  Linda will continue to serve on the Board of Directors. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Jim Dinkins to the Honey Baked Ham Family.  Jim’s holistic view of the food industry, highly regarded leadership and deep experience in operations makes us confident that he’s the right person to lead our company through this next chapter,” says Linda van Rees. “It’s been the greatest privilege of my career to serve as CEO of our consolidated family business for the last three years. I look forward to continuing my grandfather’s legacy as a member of the Board of Directors.”

Dinkins joins The Honey Baked Ham Company from The Coca-Cola Company, where he gained diverse experience working in a variety of areas, including senior sales, marketing, operations, channel planning, sports marketing, franchise leadership and general management. Prior to his retirement announcement in August 2020, Dinkins served as President, Coca-Cola North America (CCNA). He also served as President of the Minute Maid Business Unit and Chief Retail Sales Officer for CCNA among other leadership roles within the company. Before joining Coca-Cola in 1988, Dinkins held various sales positions with Procter and Gamble.

Dinkins holds an MBA from Emory University and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Georgia.