Long-time Diageo boss dies after a brief illness

Sir Ivan Menezes, Chief Executive Officer of the liquor multi-national, has died in London with his family by his side, just weeks before he was due to retire after 10 years in the top job.

Diageo announced two days ago that Sir Menezes had been admitted to hospital for the treatment of "medical conditions including a stomach ulcer" and that his "recovery suffered a significant setback due to complications, which followed emergency surgery on the ulcer."

Javier Ferrán, Chairman of Diageo plc, said Menezes was undoubtedly one of the finesse leaders of his generation and would be missed by Diageo employees, past and present.

"I saw first-hand his steadfast commitment to our people and to creating a culture that enabled everyone to thrive. He invested his time and energy in people at every level of the company and saw potential that others may have overlooked," said Ferrán.

Born in Pune, India in 1959, Menezes joined Diageo at its inception 25 years ago and held many senior positions in the company. Notably, during his time as Global Marketing Director, UDV, he oversaw the development of the now iconic 'Keep Walking' campaign for Johnnie Walker.

He subsequently held several senior positions in Diageo, including Chief Operating Officer, President, Diageo North America, Chairman, Diageo Asia Pacific, and Chairman, Diageo Latin America and Caribbean.

Menezes was appointed to the board as an Executive Director of Diageo in July 2012 and served as Chief Executive Officer since July 2013. He was due to retire on 30 June 2023.

"We are truly privileged to have had the opportunity to work alongside such a thoughtful and passionate colleague and friend - a true gentleman. He has built an extraordinary legacy.

"Ivan leaves behind many friends and a beloved family, and our thoughts are particularly with his wife, Shibani and his two children, Nikhil and Rohini. On behalf of the Board, Executive Committee and all our employees, we extend our deepest sympathies to them," concluded Ferrán.

The Board of Directors has appointed Debra Crew as Interim Chief Executive Officer ahead of her scheduled appointment as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the board on 1 July 2023.

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