Diageo Australia’s Managing Director David Smith has announced the appointment of Chris Shaw as Commercial Director effective from 3 February 2020.
“In his new role, Chris will join the Diageo Australia Executive and assume responsibility for all of Diageo Australia’s sales strategy, it’s commercial and customer marketing teams, and working with our agency partner on our business in New Zealand,” says Smith.
“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.”
On his appointment, Chris 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.”
Chris will take on the role from 3 February 2020 and until then will work with Andrew Clarke to ensure a seamless handover ahead of Andrew commencing his role as Managing Director at Accolade Wines also on 3 February.
