Diageo Ireland appoints new country director

Global drinks group Diageo has appointed Oliver Loomes to the position of country director for Diageo Ireland.

In his new role, Loomes will be tasked with leading Diageo’s commercial and sales operations in the country.

“Our Irish business is a strong and important part of Diageo, and I’m delighted to be able to announce Oliver as our new country director,” commented John Kennedy, president, Diageo Europe.

“Oliver has a wealth of experience and knowledge of both the Irish business and the drinks industry in general, which he will bring to his new role.”

Born in Dublin, Loomes graduated from University College Dublin (UCD) and the Michael Smurfit Business School before joining Diageo in 1999 from Mars Corporation where had been working for seven years in various sales and marketing positions across Ireland, the UK and Europe.

He has worked in numerous senior marketing positions in Diageo’s beer business across the world during his 16 years with the company.

Loomes has previously been marketing and innovation director for Diageo Ireland and in 2011 he was appointed global brand director for Guinness.

In that role, he was responsible for overseeing Guinness’ marketing programmes across more than 130 countries.

In addition, Loomes has also held the post of marketing director, European Beer.

“I’m hugely excited about taking on this role,” said Loomes. “Diageo is a company with some of Ireland’s most iconic brands, not least Guinness, Smithwick’s and Baileys, which are a vital element of what is a vibrant and dynamic Irish drinks industry.

“In the last 12 months Guinness has returned to growth in Ireland, and I look forward to building on that success with a great team of colleagues in Diageo Ireland.”