The Coca-Cola Co. is searching for a new top lawyer for the first time in nearly a decade as the beverage giant’s general counsel prepares for retirement early next year.  

Bernhard Goepelt, 57, began his career at Coca-Cola in 1992, when he was hired as legal counsel for the company’s German division. He went on to serve in-house leadership roles for the firm’s business groups throughout the world before being named GC, chief legal counsel and senior vice president.