Diageo had announced that Larry Schwartz, president North America would retire by the end of this calendar year. Mahlan's replacement will be announced in due course and until that time she will continue in her current role as CFO of Diageo.
Diageo chief executive Ivan Menezes, said: "Diageo North America is a strong business and we are determined to deliver on that strength. Today we announced a number of organisational changes in Diageo North America and I am delighted that we can also announce that Deirdre will be leading this change. Deirdre has been an exceptional CFO and has the skills, together with experience of the market, to lead the next stage of growth in North America".
Tom Looney, currently president Diageo-Guinness USA has been appointed to the role of president, US open and control states.
Looney’s appointment combines open and control states leadership into one role. Looney’s appointment follows the announcement that Mark Hubler, president open states and national accounts, will depart Diageo to Johnson Brothers Liquor Company effective July 31.
With more than 25 years’ experience in the alcohol beverage industry, Looney has most recently improved performance in Diageo's US beer business. Prior to his current role, Looney was chief commercial officer where he oversaw the pricing strategy, business analytics and commercial marketing functions across spirits, beer and wine for North America.
Jeff Ivey, chief commercial officer will expand his role to include leadership of Diageo's national accounts business as well as commercial capabilities – this is meant to streamline work and help accelerate Diageo’s performance with national accounts.
Ivey began his career with Seagram’s and has held a number of sales and commercial roles since then. He has been chief commercial officer since 2013 and leads a team that includes route-to-market strategy, commercial marketing, strategy and analytics as well as category management.
Tom Day, currently senior vice president of sales for Diageo-Guinness USA is promoted to the role of president, for DGUSA. Day will also join the North America Executive Team.
Separately, Diageo announced that Claudia Schubert, president control states is appointed to the role of general manager, Continental Europe effective September 1, based in Amsterdam reporting to the president of Diageo Europe.
These appointments are effective July 1 and report to the President, Diageo North America, except where noted.
