US/CAN: North American appointments at Diageo

Diageo has appointed Debra Kelly-Ennis, currently chief marketing officer of Diageo North America, as president of Diageo Canada, with effect from 1 September, 2008.

Jon Potter is to assume the role of chief marketing officer of Diageo North America, also with effect from 1 September.

Kelly-Ennis will report to Ivan Menezes, president and CEO of Diageo North America, and will continue as a member of the North American Executive Team. She succeeds the current president of Diageo Canada, John Kennedy, who is to become managing director of Diageo Ireland.

"Debra's extensive management experience, coupled with her ability to drive breakthrough ideas will be a major asset as we continue to grow in this strategic market," said Menezes. "During her tenure, Diageo's brands have grown significantly, outperforming the competition in all key measures."

Prior to joining Diageo, Kelly-Ennis served as president and chief operating officer of Saab Cars in the US and also held marketing and sales leadership roles and general management positions at RJR/Nabisco and Grand Metropolitan.

Jon Potter, currently president of global marketing vodka and rum at Diageo, will also be reporting to Menezes and is to join the North American Executive Team. In his new role, Potter will be charged with driving Diageo North America's overall marketing strategy, the company said.

"We are confident that Jon's brand building acumen and exemplary leadership skills will further propel our business as we grow in the North American market," said Menezes. "Jon brings to the role a great depth of marketing, commercial and global understanding."