Diageo North America Appoints Peter McDonough President, Chief Marketing & Innovation Officer

Diageo, the world's leading spirits, beer and wine company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter McDonough, currently President North America Innovation, to the role of President, Chief Marketing & Innovation Officer, effective January 1, 2010.

In conjunction with this appointment, Diageo will be combining the Marketing and Innovation teams to ensure the company is best organized to deliver top-line growth ambitions. McDonough will report to Larry Schwartz, President, Diageo USA. "Looking ahead, we believe that marketing and innovation will become even more vital to achieving our strong growth ambitions," said Ivan Menezes, President & CEO of Diageo North America. "We are confident that combining these teams under one leader will bring significant benefits to the North America business and foster a more holistic growth strategy between organic and innovation growth."

During his three years with Diageo, McDonough has led a step-change in the company's innovation program, delivering significant growth and profits to the total business. Prior to joining Diageo, Peter served in a variety of leadership roles within the consumer package goods industry in North America and Europe, including serving as Vice President of both European and North American Marketing for Gillette and Director of North American Marketing at Black & Decker Power Tools. "Peter brings exceptional leadership and proven results to this important role," said Schwartz. "He is a remarkable leader, and we are confident he will help take our marketing and innovation agendas to the next level, resulting in even greater sustainable top-line growth for our brands."

As a result of this organizational change, Jon Potter will move out of his current role as Chief Marketing Officer, North America, and Diageo will work with him to explore future opportunities within the company. "On behalf of Diageo's leadership team, we would sincerely like to thank Jon for his many contributions to Diageo North America," commented Schwartz. "Jon has made a significant impact - successfully upgrading many of our marketing programs to address the changing economic environment we face in the US marketplace."

SOURCE Diageo