Drinks giant Diageo announced the surprise departure of one of its most senior executives yesterday as it prepared to reveal its full-year results today.
The Edinburgh-headquartered firm confirmed that Gilbert Ghostine, chief corporate development officer and president of Diageo India and China, was leaving the business after a 19-year career.
Mr Ghostine only took up his current role on July 1 following a reshaping of the firm’s top team led directly by chief executive Ivan Menezes.
The Lebanese has been a key figure in the company’s development in recent years, having served in various senior roles since his appointment in 1998 as head of Diageo’s Dubai hub, which had responsibility for operations in Africa, the Middle East and Central and Eastern Europe.
He moved to North America in 2002 and was eventually appointed as president of US major markets and national accounts.
In 2005 he returned across the Pond to lead the firm’s European business.
Mr Ghostine moved to Singapore as president of Asia Pacific in 2009, overseeing a transformation of Diageo’s business in the region.
A key focus of his time in charge was the securing of a controlling interest in Bangalore-based United Spirits, India’s largest drinks producer and the owner of the Whyte & Mackay whisky brand.
Diageo finally secured a majority stake in the business which opens up an enormous and potentially lucrative market for key brands including Johnnie Walker and Smirnoff earlier this month after forking out in excess of £1.8 billion to secure a 54.87% stakeholding.
Diageo said Mr Ghostine had accepted a new role outwith the business and would leave his job on September 30.
“In his time with Diageo, Gilbert has provided strong leadership to many areas of our business across North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia Pacific,” Mr Menezes said. “We wish him all the very best for the future.”
The CEO took the opportunity to make a raft of other senior management changes which he said would “further enhance the in-market accountability” which was key to realising Diageo’s ambitions.
Sam Fischer, currently managing director for Diageo Greater China, will become president, Diageo Greater China and Asia, from September 1.
United Spirits CEO Anand Kripalu will also join the executive committee for the first time.
John Kennedy’s role has been expanded, and he will take on responsibility for Russia, Eastern Europe and Turkey as president of Diageo Europe.
“The changes we have announced today signal a further shift in Diageo from an organisation based on regions to one which puts accountability in the markets,” said Mr Menezes.
“In addition, they strengthen our executive team and enhance our focus on two key growth markets, China and India.
Diageo separately announced the appointment of Facebook EMEA vice-president Nicola Mendelsohn as a new non-executive director on the board and member of the company’s audit, nomination and remuneration committees.
Diageo chairman Dr Franz Humer said: “Her senior experience at the forefront of digital marketing and communications will be of great benefit to Diageo and its brands as we seek to pursue long-term profitable growth through innovation in all areas of our business.
“Additionally, her reputation as one of the UK’s leading businesswomen and her track record in championing women in business will be an inspiration to our people and the way that we work.”
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