Diageo yesterday announced several changes to the spirits, beer and wine giant's executive committee.
Andy Fennell, chief marketing officer, will be appointed president and chief operating officer, Africa, reporting to Nick Blazquez, president Africa, Eastern Europe and Turkey, as of July 1, 2013. Fennell will continue as a member of the Diageo Executive Committee.
Meanwhile Syl Saller, Global Innovation Director, will be appointed chief marketing officer, also on July 1, and will join the Diageo executive committee at that time.
“It is a great pleasure to welcome Syl Saller to the Executive," said chief operating officer Ivan Menezes. Syl brings a great breadth of marketing and general management experience to her new position. In particular, her global track record on innovation performance over the past nine years has been outstanding. Andy has made a huge contribution in his four and a half years as Chief Marketing Officer. In his new role, Andy will work with Nick and their talented teams to further strengthen our leading position in Africa, a region with enormous potential.”
A month ago the company reported that Menezes will ascend to the role of CEO on July 1, replacing the retiring Paul Walsh.
Separately, Diageo has also announced that: Gareth Williams, HR Director since January 1999, is to retire from Diageo. Williams will leave the Executive Committee on June 30 2013, and will remain with Diageo until 30 June 2014, supporting a number of key projects. Additionally, Leanne Wood, global talent and organizational effectiveness director, will be appointed HR Director, effective July 1, and will join the Diageo executive committee at that time.
“Gareth has been absolutely pivotal to the creation of today’s Diageo, from shaping Diageo’s culture to putting people and values at the heart of our business," Walsh said. "He has a total commitment to making Diageo a special and enduring company, and has guided the careers of many of its leaders today and those of the future. It has been a privilege to work with him.’
Added Menezes. "I am delighted to welcome Leanne Wood to the Diageo executive in her new role. Leanne has a great track record across both strategy and HR, and wide experience of our business, having held roles in Ireland, South East Asia, Africa and our global functions.”
