7th June 2023,Mumbai: In a tragic turn of events, Diageo, the renowned multinational alcoholic beverages company, announced the passing of its CEO, Ivan Manezes, on Wednesday. The esteemed leader, who was set to retire at the end of this month, had been undergoing treatment for various health conditions, including a stomach ulcer.
According to a statement released by Diageo and accessed by Reuters, Manezes’ recovery suffered a significant setback over the weekend, following complications arising from emergency surgery for the ulcer. The news of his passing has sent shockwaves through the business community, where Manezes was highly regarded for his exceptional leadership and strategic prowess.
Ivan Manezes joined Diageo in 1997, shortly after its formation through the merger of Guinness and Grand Metropolitan. Over the years, he held various key positions within the company, including Chief Operating Officer, Chairman for Latin America and the Caribbean, Chairman for Asia Pacific, President and CEO of Diageo North America, and Chief Operating Officer of Diageo North America.
During his tenure as CEO, which began in July 2013, played a pivotal role in propelling Diageo’s growth and spearheading its sustainability initiatives. He was widely credited for significantly boosting brand sales and successfully navigating the company through multiple acquisitions.
In addition to his responsibilities at Diageo, Ivan Manezes held several prominent roles in various organizations. He served as the Chairman of the Council of Scotch Whisky Association and as a Non-Executive Director at Tapestry. Furthermore, he was a valued member of the Global Advisory Board at the Kellogg School of Management, a Trustee at the Movement to Work, and a Member of the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking.
With the sudden demise of Ivan Manezes, Diageo swiftly appointed Debra Crew as the Interim CEO. Crew, who currently serves as the President of Diageo North America and Global Supply, will officially join the board as an executive director on July 1. Her appointment marks a significant milestone as she becomes one of the few women to lead a company within Britain’s prestigious FTSE 100 index.
Debra Crew, who assumed her role as the Interim CEO on June 5, faces the challenge of solidifying Diageo’s dominance in the United States market and establishing a portfolio of premium brands in a post-COVID era.
The passing of Ivan Manezes leaves a significant void in the corporate world, as colleagues and industry professionals remember him for his exceptional contributions to Diageo and the broader business community. As Diageo mourns the loss of a visionary leader, the company remains focused on honouring his legacy by continuing to drive growth and innovation in the global alcoholic beverages market.