RONKONKOMA, N.Y. — NBTY Inc. has hired former Coca-Cola executive Sonya Soutus to the newly created position of senior vice president of public affairs and communications.

Sonya Soutus

The vitamin and dietary supplement maker said Wednesday that Soutus will oversee the creation and implementation of communications, government relations and stakeholder initiatives as well as be responsible for developing programs that protect and enhance the reputation of NBTY as a global leader in wellness products. She also will be a key contributor in handling relevant industry issues and public policy.

“As we strive to establish NBTY as the unequivocal global leader in wellness products, we felt it was critical to implement an all-encompassing public affairs and communications strategy that impacts every company stakeholder — from media, government agencies and officials to our consumers,” stated Steve Cahillane, president and chief executive officer at NBTY. “Sonya is a consummate professional and highly capable leader who possesses enormous knowledge, insight and integrity.”

Soutus brings to NBTY more than 25 years of public affairs and communications experience. She held roles of increasing responsibility across Coca-Cola’s international business and most recently served as senior vice president of public affairs and communications for Coca-Cola in North America. Before joining Coca-Cola, she was account group director at Burson Marsteller in the Ukraine and prior to that held posts with media organizations, including KDKA-TV/Westinghouse Broadcasting Corp. in Pittsburgh. Her international experience also includes serving as press secretary for the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Rome.

NBTY’s roster of brands includes products under the Nature’s Bounty, Sundown Naturals, Osteo Bi-Flex, Solgar, Balance Bar, MET-Rx, Pure Protein, Body Fortress, Puritan’s Pride, Vitamin World, Holland & Barrett and De Tuinen banners, among others.