NORWALK, Conn., May 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Diageo, a global
leader in beverage alcohol, today announced changes to the
leadership team of its North American business.
Ed Pilkington, currently Chief
Marketing Officer, Diageo Europe, is to be appointed Chief
Marketing and Innovation Officer, Diageo North America.
Claudia Schubert, currently General
Manager, Diageo Continental Europe and Russia, is to be appointed President U.S.
Spirits & Canada.
"We are delighted to welcome two of Diageo's most talented and
experienced senior leaders to North
America," said Deirdre
Mahlan, President, Diageo North America. "Claudia and
Ed have both played critical leadership roles in the recent
transformation of our Europe
business, and both bring world-class multi-market experience that
will help drive their respective functions forward."
Pilkington takes the helm of marketing and innovation from
James Thompson. During his
tenure Thompson has established a strong platform for growth in
North America. He has recruited and developed top talent,
overseen a step-up in creativity and successfully implemented our
refreshed consumer-choice framework. Thompson has decided to return
to the U.K. for personal reasons and currently, with no suitable
openings within Diageo, has decided to pursue opportunities outside
the company.
Pilkington has a long history with Diageo over the course of a
24 year career with the company that has seen him lead its
marketing and innovation business in Australia, Latin
America and the Caribbean
and, prior to his current role, as leader of the company's global
vodka, rum and gin category.
Schubert takes on U.S. Spirits and Canada from Tom
Looney. After a 30 year career with the business,
Looney has decided to retire. During his time with the business,
Looney has been a key contributor to the company's strategy,
performance, and navigation of distributor alignment. His work has
created stronger execution and focus across the U.S. Spirits
commercial function.
This marks a return to North
America for Schubert, who has spent time in the U.S. and
Canada in a number of senior
commercial roles, including President, U.S. Control States &
Canada. Schubert has most recently led Diageo Continental
Europe to strong growth.
"Together Thompson and Looney have a combined 53 years with the
business, and we are grateful for the significant impact and legacy
they leave with us," continued Mahlan. "Their leadership and
passion will be missed, and we wish them the very best for the
future."
Pilkington and Schubert will transition to the North America market over the summer,
reporting to Mahlan. Thompson will remain through
July 31, 2018, and Looney will remain
to support the transition through September
30, 2018.
About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage
alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including
Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit
and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas,
Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio,
Tanqueray and Guinness.
Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and
the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more
than 180 countries around the world. For more information about
Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at
www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking
resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways
to share best practice. Follow us on Twitter for news and
information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.
Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.
Contact:
Kristen Crofoot
203-229-4223
kristen.crofoot@diageo.com
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SOURCE Diageo North America