The CEO of Coca-Cola HBC, Dimitris Lois, has passed away after a brief illness.

Axar.az reports that the company said today that Lois died yesterday. Last month, the Coca-Cola bottler said Lois would take a temporary leave of absence to undergo medical treatment. He had intended to return to his post early next year.

"We are deeply saddened by the news of Dimitris's death," said Anastassis David, chairman of the board of directors of CCHBC. "It was a great privilege to know him personally and to work alongside him for so many years.

"Dimitris will always be remembered for his dedication to our people and for the values he stood for."

Michalis Imellos, Coca-Cola HBC's CFO, who was named acting CEO last month, will continue in the role. Further announcements will be made "in due course", the company said.

Lois joined CCHBC in March 2007 and was appointed COO in 2009. He moved to become CEO in July 2011.