UPDATE 1-Kent to succeed Isdell as Coca-Cola chairman

NEW YORK, Dec 11 (Reuters) - Coca-Cola Co (KO.N) said on Thursday it plans to elect Chief Executive Muhtar Kent as chairman of the board, succeeding former CEO Neville Isdell, who will not stand for re-election.

The succession, which is consistent with the soft drink giant's stated plans, will occur after Coke's annual shareholder meeting in April.

Kent, a protege of Isdell, took over the top job at Coke in July.

Coke shares were down 2.4 percent at $44.23 on the New York Stock Exchange in afternoon trading. (Reporting by Martinne Geller; editing by John Wallace)