By Andrew Starke
Commercial director Australasia, Denis Brown, will leave Diageo Australia in June after 18 years with the company.
Brown’s career with Diageo has spanned many roles and numerous markets, with the past four and a half years in his current position.
The company said he had considered moving to another market overseas within Diageo, but has decided to remain in Australia for family reasons.
As brand and marketing manager of Bundaberg Rum in the 1990s, Brown oversaw the relaunch of the Bundy Bear campaign, as well as launching Dark & Stormy and Bundaberg Black.
He went on to lead the global brand development and launch of Smirnoff Ice across 29 countries as part of the Global Smirnoff Brand Team.
Brown’s roles have included GM for Diageo Czech Republic and Slovakia and GM of marketing for Guinness Anchor Berhad (a joint venture between Diageo, Heineken and Asia Pacific Breweries) in Malaysia.
Most recently, as Diageo Australia Commercial Director, Brown has driven the revitalisation of the sales and customer marketing functions and overseen a transformation of the Australia sales force.
“The contribution Denis has made to Diageo both in Australia and in other markets has been outstanding,” said Diageo Australia Director Tim Salt.
“He has overseen a renewed focus on our customers, excellent execution and an active innovation pipeline. We will certainly miss him and wish him the very best for the future.”
Doug Bagley will succeed Brown as commercial director Australasia, effective July 1.
He joined Diageo in 2009 as commercial director China and Hong Kong, and GM Diageo China Ltd.
Bagley’s career includes over 10 years with Unilever, working in a variety of roles in Australia, the UK and China.