Business
Diageo announces Sir Ivan Menezes has passed away
Diageo announces Sir Ivan Menezes has passed away.
About this update from Diageo Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n\nDiageo plc announces that Sir Ivan Menezes has passed away\n \n7 June 2023: Following our announcement on 5 June 2023, it is with great sadness that Diageo announces that Sir Ivan Menezes has passed away following a brief illness, with his family at his side.\nJavier Ferrán, Chairman, Diageo plc, commented:\n\"This is an incredibly sad day. Ivan was undoubtedly one of the finest leaders of his generation.\nIvan was there at the creation of Diageo and over 25 years, shaped Diageo to become one of the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer companies. I saw first-hand his steadfast commitment to our people and to creating a culture that enabled everyone to thrive. He invested his time and energy in people at every level of the company and saw potential that others may have overlooked. This is one of many reasons why he was beloved by our employees, past and present.\nIvan's energy and his commitment to diversity created a truly inclusive business and enabled Diageo to have a positive impact on the communities we serve. His passion for our brands was second-to-none and in his heart, he remained the Johnnie Walker marketer from his early days. The desire to build the world's best brands never left him.\nWe are truly privileged to have had the opportunity to work alongside such a thoughtful and passionate colleague and friend - a true gentleman. He has built an extraordinary legacy. \nIvan leaves behind many friends and a beloved family, and our thoughts are particularly with his wife, Shibani and his two children, Nikhil and Rohini. On behalf of the Board, Executive Committee and all our employees, we extend our deepest sympathies to them.\"\n \nNotes to editors:\n· Ivan Manuel Menezes was born on 10 July 1959, in Pune, India. He held UK and US citizenship, and Overseas Citizenship for India.\n· Ivan was one of Britain's longest serving and most respected FTSE Chief Executives, transforming Diageo into the world's leading premium drinks company and which accounts for 10% of the UK's total food and drinks exports.\n· Ivan joined Diageo at its creation in 1997 and held many senior positions in a career spanning over 25 years at the company. He had been the Strategy Director for Guinness plc. When Diageo was subsequently created through the merger, Iv...