Charles Ireland steps down from Diageo GB

Diageo has reshuffled its senior leadership team following the resignation of its managing director for Great Britain, Ireland and France.

Charles Ireland (left) will be replaced by Dayalan Nayager (right) as Diageo’s managing director for Great Britain, Ireland and France

Charles Ireland will leave Diageo at the end of December after more than 20 years with the group to “pursue opportunities outside of the business”.

Ireland became managing director of Diageo GB, Ireland and France in 2016. Under his leadership the business has increased market share growth across beer and spirits in both the on- and the off-trade.

Prior to the GB role, Ireland worked across Diageo’s businesses in Asia Pacific and Africa, including East African Breweries.

He will be replaced by Dayalan Nayager, currently managing director of Diageo Global Travel Retail. Nayager will report to John Kennedy, president of Diageo’s business in Europe, Turkey and India.

“I would like to thank Charles for the substantial contribution that he has made to Diageo and for the legacy that he leaves behind, not just in GB but in many countries around the world,” said Kennedy. “He has made a significant impact on the business, both on a professional and a personal level, and I wish him all the best for the future.

“I would also like to congratulate Dayalan on his appointment and welcome him to the European executive committee in his new role. I’ve been impressed with Dayalan’s passion for diversity and engagement along with his strong performance focus and I am excited about what he will achieve for GB, France and Ireland.”

Under Nayager’s leadership, Diageo Global Travel Retail relocated from Singapore to London in 2016 and implemented a new strategy as the group separated its Middle East and travel retail businesses.

Eduardo Barp, currently general manager of Diageo’s Caribbean and Central America business, will become managing director for global travel retail on 1 January, reporting into Alberto Gavazzi, president of Diageo Latin America and Caribbean, global travel and sales.

“Dayalan leaves the global travel business in great shape. It has never been as structured and disciplined as it is today, with such an integral focus on the customer, and I wish him all the best in his new European role,” said Gavazzi.

“I would like to congratulate Eduardo on his appointment to the global travel team and look forward to working with him on this exciting global agenda.”

Barp’s replacement has not yet been announced.