This morning, Diageo Australia has announced two immediate changes to its executive leadership team. This includes the permanent appointment of Nicole Dennis (L) as Commercial Director and the appointment of Jodi McLeod (C) to the newly created Head of Premix Growth executive leadership role.
An additional executive leadership change will occur in September following the return of Lisa McElduff (R) as Finance Director after a few years spent working the same role for Diageo Great Britain.
Nicole Dennis brings with her 10 years of experience at Diageo working in several key roles in the Australian commercial team across both on- and off-premise channels. Recently, Dennis attended a secondment with Diageo’s South Korea and Japan businesses where she has led commercial transformation for the past two years. Dennis has already been performing the role of Diageo Australia’s Commercial Director since returning three months ago.
In a statement issued to media this morning, a Diageo Australia spokesperson said Nicole Dennis “was the standout candidate through a rigorous global recruitment process and brings to the role a deep understanding of both Diageo’s business and the Australian market landscape.
“Nicole has already had an incredible impact, demonstrating outstanding commercial acumen, along with her commitment to our customers, to performance and to partnership.”
Diageo Australia has also announced the creation of two Commercial Excellence teams dedicated to bottled spirits and premix/RTD. The new Premix Growth division “will lead transformation, development and execution across strategy, production, and distribution, and will work closely in partnership with our brand teams to deliver best-in-class marketing of our premix portfolio.”
The new division will be led by Jodi McLeod, who has worked across various Diageo Australia Marketing Manager roles since 2015, including the past two years as Marketing Manager of Bundaberg Rum and Johnnie Walker.
Diageo Australia describes Jodi McLeod as “an experienced and high-performing marketer, who has overseen some of our most iconic brands in her 10 years with Diageo.”
In September, Lisa McElduff will resume to the position of Diageo Australia’s Finance Director, with Mark Harvie to move to a new role within the company.
“As part of her Diageo Australia remit, Lisa will bring her global leadership and strategic experience to Managing Director Dan Hamilton’s executive leadership team playing a critical role in shaping and executing the business’ long-term growth strategy,” said Diageo Australia in an announcement to media this morning.
The new appointments will continue to report to Diageo Australia’s Managing Director Dan Hamilton.
//
Jake Down Wins Diageo World Class Australia
Tasting through Diageo’s Spirited Xchange single malt collection
