Coca-Cola’s top marketer in North America, Wendy Clark, is to take a three-month break from the brand to pursue an “outside project” – reportedly working for potential US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

Clark, who took up the position of president-sparkling and strategic marketing, Coca-Cola North America, last June, will be on unpaid leave until 31 March working on a “passion project”, reports The Wall Street Journal.

With Clinton expected to announce her US presidential candidacy over the coming months, it is believed that Clark will assist her campaign team to devise strategies to reach younger voters.

Coke confirmed Clark will leave her role for a short time to “support an outside project of personal importance to her”, but would not give details. North America marketing staff will report to regional boss Sandy Douglas.

“Wendy Clark has chosen to take an unpaid leave of absence until March 31 to support an outside project of personal importance to her. The company is supportive of her taking this time off to pursue a personal passion and we look forward to welcoming her back after this short leave,” said a Coke spokesperson.

It was announced last year that Clark will become the first marketer to preside over a Cannes Lions jury, taking up the role of president of the Creative Effectiveness Lions jury at June’s event.

She departs as Coke reveals it is to make up to 1,800 staff redundant as part of a $3bn cost-cutting drive.