Diageo announces North American leadership positions
Diageo has appointed Sally Grimes as Chief Executive Officer, North America; and Claudia Schubert as President & Chief Operating Officer, North America; effective 1 October 2023.
North America is Diageo’s largest market and since FY19, has grown 41%, in terms of net sales on a constant basis.
With over 25 years’ experience in the food and beverage sector, Grimes is a 'proven leader in consumer goods and is well-known as a world class innovator and brand builder', notes Diageo.
She was most recently the Chief Executive Officer at Clif Bar & Company, the leading maker of organic energy bars in North America. There she successfully led the development of a 10-year strategic growth plan, designed the company's purpose, created a clear portfolio strategy, and ultimately completed the successful sale of the company to Mondelez International.
Previously, as Group President of the Prepared Foods segment of Tyson Foods, America’s largest food company, Grimes ran a $10bn, 25,000-person organisation, reporting into the Global CEO. Grimes' early career began in banking, followed by multiple positions within large consumer goods companies, from Kraft Foods to Newell Brands.
Highlights of Grimes' industry recognition include Fast Company's "Top 100 Most Creative People in Business" and Fortune’s "Most Powerful Women to Watch."
Grimes will report to Debra Crew, Chief Executive and will join the Diageo Executive Committee.
She is an experienced non-executive director, having worked on a number of boards, including on the board of Beyond Meat, Inc., Continental Grain Company and Silver Oak Winery.
Claudia Schubert is appointed to President & Chief Operating Officer, North America and will report into Sally Grimes. Schubert has over 20 years of total beverage alcohol experiences and brings a proven strategic, performance and operations track record into this role.
"Over the last few years in North America, she successfully led the US Spirits business through the disruption of Covid delivering significant growth, has managed the explosive rise of our tequila business and integrated several acquisitions," notes Diageo.
"She has 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 Distill Ventures. She is known for her trusted relationships across the industry as well as building high-performing teams and her strong commitment to delivering Diageo’s Society 2030 goals."