Alberto Gavazzi, Diageo President Latin America and Caribbean (LAC), Global Travel & Global Sales, is stepping down after a stellar 27-year tenure at the company.
As a result of Gavazzi’s decision, Sam Fischer, who has been President of Diageo Greater China and Asia Pacific since September 2014, will assume additional responsibility for the global travel business. Managing Director Global Travel Eduardo Barp will report into Fischer.
Diageo Chief Executive Officer Ivan Menezes said: “In his 27 years at the company, Alberto has contributed significantly to shaping the Diageo of today.
“His depth of functional and general management capabilities saw him excel in leading LAC and in 2015 his accountabilities were expanded to take on Global Travel and Global Sales.
“He drove the transformation of the Global Travel business which, despite the impact of the pandemic, is well positioned to return to be a source of growth and strategic opportunity for Diageo.”
Menezes described Gavazzi as a “committed and energetic leader”, adding, “Alberto can be proud of his many achievements and the talented teams he will leave as his legacy.
“Alberto’s charismatic and confident style of leadership has enabled him to build trust and strong relationships with his team, customers and executive peers. And he has been a source of inspiration for many. His team has always valued the way in which he has empowered them to succeed.
“What has always been remarkable for me is Alberto’s passion for the success of Johnnie Walker, not just in LAC but globally. He was a key architect in the rejuvenation of the brand and can be credited with playing a significant role in the launch of Double Black, one of the most successful innovations in our history.”
