Diageo US president to resign

Larry Schwartz, president of Diageo North America, has announced his retirement after forty years in the drinks industry.

President of Diageo America Larry Schwarz (Photo: Diageo)

Diageo has announced that Larry Schwartz, president Diageo North America, who is celebrating forty years in the drinks industry, will retire by the end of the calendar year.

The company says that his replacement will be announced in due course.

Commenting on his life in the industry and his time at Diageo, Schwartz said, “I am proud to be a bartender’s son and grandson, and am so privileged to have enjoyed 40 years in an industry I love.

“Working with Diageo’s brands and people has been the highlight of a career that has brought me much joy. It has been an honour to work alongside Ivan [Menezes, Diageo chief executive] and all my colleagues in Diageo over these past 15 years.”

Ivan Menezes also commented, saying, “Today is an opportunity to recognise Larry’s achievements and thank him for his commitment and dedication to Diageo. Through his strong relationships across the industry and within Diageo and his passion for our business and our brands he has helped build Diageo’s leadership position in our largest market.

“The board and I will announce Larry’s successor in due course. This is a strong business and until he retires Larry will support the new leader of our North American business as they implement the changes needed to deliver improving performance.”