Changes to Executive Committee

RNS Number : 6736N

Diageo PLC

30 July 2014

 



DIAGEO ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Diageo has today announced changes to its Executive Committee which build on the changes made earlier in the year and further enhance the in-market accountability which will be key to delivery of Diageo's performance ambition.

Sam Fischer, currently Managing Director Diageo Greater China, will join the Executive Committee as President, Diageo Greater China and Asia. 

Anand Kripalu, CEO United Spirits Limited (USL), will also join the Executive Committee.  Both Sam and Anand will report to Nick Blazquez as President, Diageo Africa and Asia Pacific. 

In addition to his current responsibility as President, Diageo Western Europe John Kennedy will take responsibility for Russia, Eastern Europe and Turkey as President, Diageo Europe.

These appointments will be effective 1 September 2014.

Diageo has also announced today, that Gilbert Ghostine has accepted a role outside Diageo and will be leaving the organisation on 30 September 2014.  Gilbert has been with Diageo for 19 years in a number of roles, latterly as President, Diageo India and Greater China, and Chief Corporate Development Officer. 

Ivan Menezes, Chief Executive said:

"The changes we have announced today signal a further shift in Diageo from an organisation based on regions to one which puts accountability in the markets. In addition they strengthen our executive team and enhance our focus on two key growth markets, China and India. I congratulate Sam and Anand on their promotion to the Executive Committee and look forward to seeing the further impact which Nick and John will have on Diageo's performance given their new and wider roles.

"In his time with Diageo, Gilbert has provided strong leadership to many areas of our business across North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.  We wish him all the very best for the future."

ENDS

Enquiries

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Investor relations:

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Notes to editors

Sam Fischer

Sam Fischer joined Diageo in 2007 as General Manager of IndoChina Regions where he established a Diageo-owned company importing premium spirits. In 2009 he was appointed Managing Director of Diageo South East Asia with responsibility for Diageo's business in the region including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. He assumed the role of Managing Director Diageo Great China, a business encompassing in-market companies, joint ventures and distributor arrangements in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau in July 2013. Prior to Diageo, Sam held a number of senior managerial and commercial positions at Colgate Palmolive.

Anand Kripalu

Anand Kripalu was appointed Chief Executive Officer of United Spirits in May 2014 after being CEO-designate since October 2013. Formerly, Anand was President, India and South Asia at Mondelez International. In this position, Anand played a key role in leading Mondelez in India after the Cadbury acquisition by Kraft.  He joined Cadbury India at the end of 2005 as Managing Director, Indian Sub-Continent and was subsequently appointed President, Cadbury Asia in October 2008. Prior to this, Anand worked in Unilever for 22 years.

As of 30 September 2014, the Diageo Executive Committee will comprise:

Ivan Menezes, Chief Executive

Deirdre Mahlan, Chief Financial Officer

Nick Blazquez, President, Diageo Africa and Asia Pacific

David Cutter, President, Global Supply and Procurement

Andy Fennell, President, Diageo Africa

Sam Fischer, President, Diageo Greater China and Asia

Alberto Gavazzi, President, Diageo Latin America and Caribbean

John Kennedy, President, Diageo Europe

Anand Kripalu, CEO United Spirits Limited

Charlotte Lambkin, Corporate Relations Director

Anna Manz, Group Strategy Director

Siobhan Moriarty, General Counsel

Syl Saller, Chief Marketing Officer

Larry Schwartz, President, Diageo North America

Leanne Wood, Human Resources Director

About Diageo

Diageo is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Windsor, Buchanan's and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere

 

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