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Diageo reshuffles North America leadership team
Diageo North America has promoted Claudia Schubert to the role of president – US spirits and Canada, at the same time as announcing further leadership changes.
(Pictured L-R) Ed Pilkington and Claudia Schubert will take up roles in Diageo’s North America team
Schubert, currently general manager, Diageo Continental Europe and Russia, will take over from Tom Looney. Looney will retire from the role and will remain to support the transition until 30 September 2018.
Looney has been a “key contributor” to the company’s strategy, performance, and navigation of distributor alignment. He has helped to create stronger execution and focus across the US spirits commercial function.
Schubert previously spent time in the US and Canada in a number of senior commercial roles, including president, US control states and Canada. She most recently led Diageo Continental Europe to strong growth.
Ed Pilkington, currently chief marketing officer, Diageo Europe, will take on the role of chief marketing and innovation officer, Diageo North America. He will take over from James Thompson, effective 31 July 2018.
Thompson has created a “strong platform for growth” in North America. He has decided to return to the UK for personal reasons and currently, with no suitable openings within Diageo, will pursue opportunities outside the firm.
Pilkington, who has worked at Diageo for 24 years, has led the marketing and innovation business in Australia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Prior to his current role, he led the company’s global vodka, rum and gin category.
“Claudia and Ed have both played critical leadership roles in the recent transformation of our Europe business, and both bring world-class multi-market experience that will help drive their respective functions forward,” said Deirdre Mahlan, president, Diageo North America.
“Together Thompson and Looney have a combined 53 years with the business, and we are grateful for the significant impact and legacy they leave with us.
“Their leadership and passion will be missed, and we wish them the very best for the future.”
Both Pilkington and Schubert will report to Mahlan.