Diageo North America names CEO

The North American arm of Diageo has appointed Sally Grimes as its new CEO and promoted Claudia Schubert to chief operating officer and president.

Both appointments will become effective on 1 October.

Grimes brings 25 years of experience in the food and beverage sector to the company.

Her most recent role was at energy food and drinks maker Clif Bar & Company as CEO where she designed its purpose and portfolio strategy, and led the development of a 10-year strategic growth plan, before completing the firm’s sale to Mondelez International last year. 

Debra Crew, Diageo CEO, commented: “Sally’s appointment further strengthens our world-class executive team at Diageo.

“Sally brings a significant depth of experience in the consumer goods sector in North America and has a proven ability to drive substantial growth in businesses. I’m confident that with these appointments, we are set up to win at pace in North America.” 

Schubert, meanwhile, became president of Diageo North America in October 2022. In her new position, she will report to Grimes. 

She took on the role of president of US spirits and Canada in 2018 when Diageo last reshuffled its North American team – a period when she was promoted from general manager of Diageo Continental Europe and Russia.

In the time since her promotion, she helped the US business through Covid-19, brought in new acquisitions, ‘shaped and executed growth strategies in general management, commercial and marketing roles across North America, Europe and the Middle East’, and has been a board member of Diageo’s Distill Ventures arm.

She is also credited for her ‘trusted relationships across the industry’, ‘building high-performing teams’ and her ‘strong commitment to delivering Diageo’s Society 2030 goals.’

Diageo recently reported its sales have jumped by 10.7% for fiscal 2023

In other significant leadership changes that have happened of late: Campari Group’s CEO, Bob Kunze-Concewitz, announced he will retire in April 2024.