Diageo North America boss Larry Schwartz retires

Larry Schwartz, president of Diageo North America, is to retire from his role after 15 years with the company.

Larry Schwartz, president of Diageo North America, is to retire at the end of the year

Schwartz, who worked in the drinks industry for 40 years, will retire at the end of the calendar year. His successor has not yet been announced.

“I am proud to be a bartender’s son and grandson, and am so privileged to have enjoyed 40 years in an industry I love,” said Schwartz.

“Working with Diageo’s brands and people has been the highlight of a career that has brought me much joy. It has been an honour to work alongside Ivan and all my colleagues in Diageo over these past 15 years.”

Schwartz was appointed president of Diageo’s North America arm in 2012 having held a number of other positions at the company and following multiple senior management positions at John E Seagram & Sons.

“Today is an opportunity to recognise Larry’s achievements and thank him for his commitment and dedication to Diageo,” said Ivan Menezes, CEO of Diageo.

“Through his strong relationships across the industry and within Diageo and his passion for our business and our brands he has helped build Diageo’s leadership position in our largest market.

“The board and I will announce Larry’s successor in due course. This is a strong business and until he retires Larry will support the new leader of our North American business as they implement the changes needed to deliver improving performance.”

Last January, Schwartz revealed that Diageo had entered into a joint venture with music mogul and rap star Sean “Diddy” Combs to launch DeLeón Tequila.