INTERNATIONAL. Diageo today announced a review of its operating model, which is resulting in the departure of two of its most senior executives – both well known to the travel retail channel – Diageo International President Stuart Fletcher and Chief Customer Officer Ron Anderson.
Before assuming his latest role in 2008, Anderson headed the company’s travel retail operations as Global Travel & Middle East (GTME) Managing Director. GTME is part of the International Division, headed by Fletcher, who has been an outstanding and committed supporter of the travel retail channel in recent years.
Diageo CEO Paul Walsh said in a statement today: “The regional variation in the pace of economic growth has created significant change and new opportunities for Diageo as a global business.
“In order to capture these opportunities Diageo has begun a review of our operating model across the business to ensure that all our resources are deployed closer to the market and in those areas where the potential for growth is greatest.”
 |  |
Stuart Fletcher (left) and Ron Anderson: Strong supporters of the travel retail channel | |
That review will encompass changes to Diageo’s regional structure and the way it organises its central functions. Yesterday it announced an employee consultation process on significant changes which are proposed to its organisation in Europe. Today Diageo revealed a change to the current configuration of its International region (of which Global Travel & Middle East is part) meaning that from 1 July 2011 it will have two autonomous regions – Diageo Latin America and Caribbean and Diageo Africa.
“The significant contribution which the Diageo International organisation has made to the development of these two regions has created the platform from which this change can be made,” Walsh continued.
“Stuart Fletcher as President of Diageo International led the success of the region and has shaped the changes we are announcing today. With this accomplished, Stuart has decided that this is the right time to leave Diageo. Stuart has been an outstanding colleague and while I am sad to see him leave Diageo I understand his ambition to use his considerable skill to lead a major organisation.
“As part of the change in how we organise our functions I have decided to put our central sales and commercial organisations within our in market companies. As Chief Customer Officer, Ron Anderson has built Diageo’s strong capability in this area and these skills are now embedded. Ron has also decided to leave Diageo.
“Diageo is indebted to Ron for the impact he has had on the business over many years and we are sorry to see him go.”
Both executives will remain with Diageo until the transition process has been completed.
Advertisement |
