Diageo new appointments
Diageo has announced that Andy Fennell, chief marketing officer, will become president COO, Africa, reporting to Nick Blazquez, president Africa, Eastern Europe and Turkey.
Effective from July 1, Fennel will also join Diageo's executive committee.
Global innovation director, Syl Saller becomes chief marketing officer with effect from July 1 and will also join the executive committee.
Diageo COO Ivan Menezes said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome Syl Saller to the executive. 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.”
Diageo has also announced that Gareth Williams, HR director since January 1999, is to retire from Diageo.
Leanne Wood, global talent and organisational effectiveness director, will be appointed HR director with effect from July 1, and will join the Diageo executive committee.
Diageo chief executive Paul Walsh said: “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. 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.’
Menezes added: “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.”