Diageo names new commercial director for Australia business

Diageo has appointed Chris Shaw as the new commercial director of its Australia business.

Shaw, who first joined Diageo in 2001, will assume responsibility for all of Diageo Australia’s sales strategy, and it’s commercial and customer marketing teams, as well as working with the spirits giant’s agency partner in New Zealand.

Prior to joining Diageo, Shaw studied banking and finance at Queensland University of Technology. Over the past 19 years, he has worked in a wide range of commercial roles within the business in Australia, the UK, and China.

Managing Director David Smith said Shaw 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.”

He will take on the role from 3 February 2020, and until then will work with current commercial director Andrew Clarke to ensure a seamless handover. Clarke will be promoted to managing director in February.