Diageo is shaking up its executive committee as it ramps up focus on emerging markets.
Chief executive Ivan Menezes this morning announced the restructure, which he said would help the drinks giant realise its strategic ambitions and focus on delivering efficient growth.
The shake-up will see Gilbert Ghostine, currently president of Asia Pacific, head up the business development of the key Indian and Chinese markets, which the company described as “key growth engines”. He will also be responsible for Diageo’s relationship with Moët Hennessey – in which it owns a 33% stake. Ghostine will join the Moët Hennessy/Diageo Joint Committee and his new title will be president, Diageo India and Greater China, and chief corporate development [sic].
Nick Blazquez, currently president Africa, Turkey, Russia, Central and Eastern Europe, will take on additional responsibility for North Asia, South East Asia, Australia and GTME, in his new role as president, Diageo Africa, Eurasia and Pacific.
“Bringing these markets under Nick’s leadership will enable us to build on the footprint we have already created in these fast growth geographies,” Menezes said.
Efficiency also comes under the spotlight, with Menezes announcing changes to Diageo’s global supply and procurement team, which will now report directly to CFO Deidre Mahlan. David Cutter, currently international supply centre director, will replace David Gosnell as president, global supply and procurement, when he retires at the end of the financial year.
Menezes said the changes, which take effect from 1 July, would bring together a strong leadership team. “I look forward to working with Gilbert, Nick and David and the whole Diageo Executive to deliver our ambition for Diageo to become one of the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer products companies in the world,” he said.
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