Diageo bolsters sustainability leadership with new appointments

Diageo, the company behind Guinness and Johnnie Walker, has announced three new appointments as part of its plan to improve sustainability in relation to the environment.

 

Kristin Hughes (pictured), formerly a senior leader at the World Economic Forum with experience producing circular economies and helping nations reduce their plastic waste, has joined Diageo as global head of sustainability. Her role at Diageo will involve designing the strategy to deliver its overarching grain-to-glass sustainability agenda.

 

Ewan Andrew, president, global supply chain & procurement and chief sustainability officer at Diageo commented: “The depth and wealth of expertise and experience makes her ideal to progress our sustainability strategy. I look forward to working closely with Kristin as we accelerate towards building a resilient, sustainable business, and doing our best for people and planet.”

 

The company has also broadened and enriched its sustainability priorities with two new roles in the Breakthrough Innovation team. In 2023 the company welcomed Deb Caldow as global marketing sustainability director and Dr Dave Lütkenhaus as global sustainability breakthrough innovation director working on Diageo’s new technologies, packaging, and formats.

 

Diageo says the hires signify its continued commitment to its 10-year action plan ‘Society 2030: Sprit of Progress’ to significantly improve their impact on the planet. Diageo recently announced that its brand Baileys would be trialling aluminium bottles, contributing to the plan’s goals.

 

Other leadership news from Diageo has seen confirmation of the next chair of its board. Sir John Manzoni, former head of the UK Civil Service, will take over from current chair Javier Ferrán in early 2025.