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Diageo Africa president to leave after 27 years
By Amy HopkinsDiageo’s president of Africa and Asia Pacific regions, Nick Blazquez, is to leave the company after 27 years.
Diageo is not replacing its Africa and Asia Pacific president Nick Blazquez when he steps down from the company next monthBlazquez will step down from the position and Diageo’s executive committee on 30 June 2016, but will continue as nominee non-executive director on the board of Diageo’s Indian subsidiary United Spirits Limited until the end of the calendar year.
Ivan Menezes, CEO of Diageo, has elected not to replace Blazquez’s role, which will be divided between two members of the group’s executive team.
John Kennedy, currently Diageo’s president of Europe, Russia and Turkey, will partner with USL CEO Anand Kripalu in delivering Diageo’s growth strategy in India and will be nominated to replace Blazquez as the firm’s senior non-executive director on USL’s board.
Meanwhile, Alberto Gavazzi, currently Diageo’s president of Latin America and Caribbean, will expand his responsibilities to take accountability for Diageo’s GTME business and the global sales operational excellence agenda.
“I have valued Nick’s contribution to the development of the strategy, performance, values and culture Diageo has today,” said Menezes.
“During his career he has provided strong leadership across many parts of our business from Great Britain to Africa, Asia Pacific, Russia, Turkey and latterly India. He has played a key role in the development of Diageo’s sustainability agenda as the originator of our Water of Life programme, growing businesses which provide employment and championing local agriculture.
“On behalf of Diageo I want to thank Nick for the role he has played and wish him the very best for the future.
“I will not be replacing Nick’s role as I am taking this opportunity to maximise the deployment of our executive talent against the highest value opportunities for Diageo and I congratulate John and Alberto on their new responsibilities.”