Diageo is parting ways with several top executives as part of an extensive overhaul of the struggling UK distiller led by new chief executive Dave Lewis.
Ed Pilkington, the North America chief marketing and innovation officer, Hina Nagarajan, Africa president, and chief human resources officer Louise Prashad are among those who will leave the business, employees were told at meetings this week, according to people with knowledge of the matter.
The high-profile departures are the latest sign of how quickly Lewis — a turnaround specialist dubbed “Drastic Dave” for his willingness to execute sweeping changes — is moving to revamp the maker of Johnnie Walker whisky and Guinness stout.
Pilkington’s departure comes after Diageo reported a 9.4 per cent slump in organic net sales in the vital North America market during the third quarter on lackluster demand. Lewis has previously said that Diageo missed significant opportunities in the US in recent years, particularly in the ready-to-drink cocktails segment.
Diageo will also combine its Africa and Europe divisions into one unit, said one person at the meeting, declining to be named discussing confidential matters.
