Leanne Defoor

About Leanne Defoor

I lead the global legal practice for environmental, sustainability, and safety at The Coca-Cola Company, where I develop and implement the company\'s environmental & sustainability strategy and partner with the Corporate Secretary to anchor the international environmental and sustainability network. I deliver strategic, solution-oriented legal advice and practical, expert counsel on compliance, investigations, and enforcement matters to ensure comprehensive legal support for Coke’s global business.

Experience

1. Senior Director and Legal Counsel, Environmental, Safety, and Sustainability

   The Coca-Cola Company

   Jul 2025 — Present · Atlanta, GA, US

   Develop and implement the company\'s global Environmental & Sustainability strategy and partner with the Corporate Secretary to anchor an international Environmental and Sustainability network.• Collaborate with global Operating Unit counsels to ensure seamless delivery of legal support.• Provide counsel on environmental, safety and securities laws & regulations, assessing impact on the company\'s global business. • Identify & mitigate significant risks; provide regular status reports to the executive committee and other legal/business leaders.• Offer legal counsel to Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability, including review of significant global sustainability communications, internal & external materials, Business & Sustainability Reports, and the annual proxy statement.• Review & advise on draft securities filings, communications related to earnings announcements, annual shareholders’ meetings, audit letters, and US Securities filings.• Advise on pending legislation & proposed regulations affecting climate, GHG emissions, recycling, and other sustainability issues. • Collaborate with trade associations & external partners to influence public policy.• Conduct & oversee environmental due diligence for real estate acquisitions and other transactions.• Provide legal counsel on packaging, recycling, & technical innovations to ensure global compliance.• Collaborate with Litigation team on environmental litigation & remediation.• Provide legal counsel, advice, & training on sustainability external communications policy.• Manage environmental/sustainability legal budget & outside counsel relationships.• Manage OSH compliance for the North America Operating Unit (NAOU) operations.• Provide counsel on implementing & evolving global OSH compliance policies.• Manage investigations & incident responses.• Advise on EOSH issues for operating units.• Participate as the legal representative on cross-functional Incident Management & Crisis Response teams.

Education

• Columbus State University

  B.S., Biology, magna cum laude

  1991 — 1994

• Georgia State University - Andrew Young School of Policy Studies

  G. Cert., Non-Profit Management and Social Enterprise

  2019 — 2020

• Columbus State University

  M.S., Environmental Science

  1996 — 2000

• Georgia State University College of Law

  Doctor of Law - JD, Law, cum laude

  2004 — 2007