USA: Chuck Phillips Appointed Executive Vice President, Diageo Inc; Paul Clinton Moves Up to CEO, UDV North America

Paul Clinton has been appointed President and CEO of UDV North America, succeeding Charles A. Phillips, who has taken on a new role with UDV North America's parent company as Executive Vice President, Diageo Inc, it was announced today by UDV Chief Executive Officer Jack Keenan. The appointments are effective July 1.

UDV Chief Executive Officer Jack Keenan said, "UDV North America is performing strongly against its strategic plans. Paul Clinton has already played a key part in shaping UDV's North American success and is ready now to take over the leadership of the business.

"Chuck Phillips has made an outstanding contribution to UDV. Since the merger he has played a significant role in establishing our new North American operation."

Clinton, 40, has been a marketing and management executive in the alcohol beverage industry since 1988 when he joined International Distillers and Vintners (IDV) from the SC Johnson Corporation. He began his career as a Regional Director for Cinzano, North America, and was later elevated to Director of Marketing for Heublein in Hartford and then to Vice President in 1993. In 1994 he became President and CEO of Gilbey's in Canada.

When Guinness and GrandMet, the parent company of Heublein, Inc., merged in 1997 to form Diageo, plc, Clinton successfully led the startup of UDV's Northeast In Market Company (IMC) as President and CEO.

Clinton was appointed Chief Operating Officer of UDV North America in 1998, where he has successfully directed and executed its business strategies resulting in substantial growth and increased efficiency. With the North American business as a whole performing strongly against its annual and strategic plans, it makes sense for Paul to step up to the Chief Executive role at the start of UDV's next financial year. Clinton will report directly to Keenan.

Clinton's appointment enables Phillips, 55, to move to his new position as Executive Vice President of Diageo Inc, where he will play a pivotal role in corporate strategic issues. Phillips' new appointment will permit him to better balance the demands of his professional responsibilities with his commitments to a number of charitable organizations and civic projects. Phillips will report to Jack Keenan, UDV Chief Executive Officer.

Phillips has made outstanding contributions to the business since he joined IDV Americas as President and Chief Executive Officer in 1996, after a 27-year career with Kraft Foods, including a stint as President of Maxwell House Coffee. In 1998, he became a member of the UDV Executive. His management and guidance in creating UDV North America is the benchmark as the company continues to outperform its stated goals in every market. Phillips' appointment ensures that Diageo will continue to benefit from his experience and expertise.

UDV North America, Inc., and Guinness Bass Import Company are the spirits, wine and beer divisions of Diageo plc in the USA and Canada (NYSE: DEO), one of the world's leading consumer brand companies. Other Diageo companies include The Pillsbury Company and the Burger King Corporation. Key brands include Johnnie Walker and J&B Scotch whiskies, Smirnoff vodka, Gordon's gin, Baileys cream liqueur, Guinness stout, Green Giant and Haagen Dazs. The Diageo group operates in over 200 markets worldwide and has international sales of $19 billion. The company is also listed on the London [DGE] and Paris Stock Exchanges. Additional information on the Diageo group and its brands is available at http://www.diageo.com.