December 2/Market News Publishing -- Skinny Nutritional Corp. announced that Ronald D. Wilson, former Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company president and chief operating officer, has been named president and chief executive officer of Skinny Nutritional Corp. Wilson brings with him over 38 years in the beverage industry. "I'm excited about this opportunity to take Skinny Water to the next level," says Wilson.

"In less than six months Skinny Water has been embraced by millions of customers who are searching for great-tasting flavored water that provides functional benefits, and most importantly zero calories and zero sugar. As we go forward, we'll expand our flavor offerings, and look to use the Skinny trademark in other beverage categories, such as ready-to-drink teas and coffees."

Wilson entered the soft drink industry in 1969 as route salesman for Pepsi-Cola, and worked his way up to branch manager. He joined the Coca-Cola family in 1977 as a financial analyst with Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New York. Over the years, he held various positions within Coca-Cola Bottling Company, rising from division manager to vice president/general manager of the New Jersey division. In 1985, he became the president and chief operating officer of The Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company. Wilson led the company to become the fourth largest Coca-Cola bottler in the country.

While at the helm, Wilson was also president of The Coca-Cola Bottlers' Association and a vice president of The Dr. Pepper Bottlers' Association. He is currently the vice chair for the board of overseers at his alma mater, Rutgers University, and is an advisor to Rutgers School of Business in Camden, N.J. In October 2008, Wilson was inducted into the Beverage World Soft Drink Hall of Fame.

"The appointment of Ron Wilson as the president and CEO represents the transition of the company from the start-up phase to a growth and operational phase," says Don McDonald, former president and CEO of Skinny Nutritional Corp. "Ron's experience and leadership will be invaluable, and we know he'll take the company to new levels of profitability."

McDonald will now serve as chief financial officer of Skinny Nutritional Corp. and will focus on investor relations to introduce the company to a variety of institutional bankers.

"Ron Wilson's tenacity for detail and years of beverage experience brings the financial disciplines and leadership to build the Skinny brand into a beverage powerhouse," says Pat Croce, member of the board of advisors. "As an emerging company, it's a real triumph to get a veteran executive of this magnitude to join our company."

From the December 5, 2008, Prepared Foods e-Flash