Diageo Australia has announced the appointment of its new Commercial Director, with Chris Shaw set to take over when Andrew Clarke leaves the business.
Shaw will take over the role from 3 February and will work with Clarke until then, ahead of Clarke’s move to his role as Managing Director at Accolade Wines.
Diageo Australia Managing Director, David Smith, said he was delighted with Shaw’s appointment.
“In his new role, Chris will join the Diageo Australia Executive and assume responsibility for all of Diageo Australia’s sales strategy, its commercial and customer marketing teams, and working with our agency partner on our business in New Zealand.
“Chris started his career in Diageo Australia in 2001 and now has almost 20 years’ experience in a variety of commercial and customer marketing roles including spells in our UK and China businesses.
“He has extensive experience creating value for customers and for Diageo following his tenure as State Manager in Victoria/Tasmania, Business Manager on Endeavour Drinks, Customer Director Coles and most recently Director of the On-Premise, Independents and the Wholesale channels.
“He has a great track record of people leadership, building strong partnerships and developing win-win strategies and plans with our customers.”
Speaking about his appointment, Shaw said: “Diageo is a fantastic business to work for and it gives me immense pride to have the opportunity to lead such a high performing and talented commercial team. I want to thank Andrew Clarke for his leadership over the past few years and acknowledge the incredible impact he’s had on the commercial team and the wider business.
“I’m excited about the opportunities ahead working closely with our customers and partners to maintain delivery of strong business outcomes for all. I’ll focus on building the talent of our people, constantly drive to always raise the standards of the critical supplier/customer partnership and advocate for ease of doing business together.
“Building Diageo’s reputation will be a sustained focus in this role, with honesty, integrity and doing right by our partners and our business always paramount.
“I want to also express my appreciation for the support over the years from customers and colleagues across the industry.”