Angus McPherson joins Diageo Australia

Diageo Australia has appointed Angus McPherson as its new managing director, succeeding David Smith who will take up a new role with the company in Southern Europe.

Angus McPherson has been named Diageo Australia managing director

McPherson will take on the position from 20 April ahead of a formal handover period with Smith, who will become managing director for Diageo in Southern Europe.

Reporting to Diageo president Greater China and Asia, Sam Fischer, McPherson will lead the firm’s Australia and New Zealand business, including manufacturing, marketing and sales.

Fischer said: “I’m delighted to welcome Angus to Diageo. He has many years of international experience working in the beverage alcohol industry. He will bring deep sales and marketing experience and performance delivery discipline, and drive outstanding relationships with the team, customers and industry in this exciting market.”

McPherson joins Smirnoff owner Diageo after eight years at Treasury Wine Estates. While working as managing director for the company, he was responsible for growing brands and launching “disruptive innovations in the market”.

He also held positions with DrinkWise, Alcohol Beverages Australia and Australian Grape and Wine (formerly the Australian Winemakers Federation).

McPherson said: “I’m excited about joining Diageo, a company that globally is one of the best brand builders in our industry. I look forward to working with the team in Australia, building on the platform that David and the entire team have put in place over the past five years.

“These are challenging times for many of our customers, and I’m energised around working to find solutions to support the customers that are such great partners with Diageo.”

McPherson will begin his transition to the role this month and is working through a virtual handover plan with Smith. Once travel restrictions have been lifted he will move to Sydney with his wife and their three daughters.