Loomes is currently the marketing and innovation director for Diageo Ireland and will take up his new post on March 1.

Beer is the second largest category after whisk(e)y within Diageo, with Guinness being Diageo’s global beer brand, supported by a portfolio of local brands such as Red Stripe, Windhoek and Harp.

Global category director for beer, Brian Duffy, said: “The role will not only leverage his marketing, innovation and specific beer capability, but also call on his great leadership skills and I am confident he will lead Guinness on the next stage of its transformational journey.”