Diageo has announced a reshuffle of its senior executive team, following the news that Sam Fischer, president of the 'Asia Pacific & Global Travel' division, will depart to join Lion at the end of June. Fischer, who leaves Diageo after 15 years, will be replaced by the group's president of 'Africa & global beer', John O’Keeffe, on 1 July. Dayalan Nayager, MD of Diageo Great Britain, will succeed O’Keeffe as regional president for Africa, as the company seeks a "seamless transition" from Fischer’s departure. The move has echoes of David Smith's switch from Diageo to Lion, where he assumed the MD position, last month. In a statement to Just Drinks today, a company spokesperson said: “We would like to thank Sam for the significant contribution he has made to Diageo over the last 15 years. Sam will leave our Asia Pacific region in great shape at the end of June, and we wish him the best of luck in his next role." The announcements come after Lion revealed the appointment of Fischer as its new CEO yesterday (8 February). Fischer takes over from current CEO Stuart Irvine, who is stepping down after nine years in the role. Fischer added: “It’s a privilege to be joining Lion - a company with a proud 180-year history in Australia and New Zealand, incredible stable of locally loved brands and a growing craft beer business in the US. “I’m looking forward to connecting with Lion’s customers and partners across our markets and working with Lion’s people on this next chapter.” Last month, Diageo reported sales of just under US$11bn from the six months to the end of December, with North America and Asia-Pacific both rising by 13%. Go deeper: “Our growth is coming much faster than we expected” – Diageo CEO Ivan Menezes