Diageo, whose brands include Johnnie Walker, J&B, Smirnoff, Tanqueray and Guinness, has appointed Syl Saller as its new chief marketing officer, replacing Andy Fennell, who has held the role since October 2008.
Adage reports that Saller becomes CMO after eight years as global innovation director at the London-based drinks giant, where her contributions include three premium drinks: Johnnie Walker Double Black, Singleton malt whisky and Snapp, an apple drink aimed at women, which is Diageo’s most successful new brand launch. She was previously marketing director for Diageo GB, and joined the company in 1999 from Allied Domecq Retail, where she was marketing development director.
Ivan Menezes, chief operating officer of Diageo, was also quoted by Adage as saying in a statement, “Syl brings a great breadth of marketing and general management experience to her new position. In particular, her global track record on innovation performance over the past nine years has been outstanding.”
The report further states that Fennell becomes president and chief operating officer, Africa — a new position that has been created to help drive Diageo’s growth in the region — and remains on the executive board. He was promoted to the CMO role from European marketing director five years ago, and previously ran the Smirnoff vodka and Diageo rum portfolio globally. He joined Guinness as marketing controller in 1997, and is famously associated with the “Good things come to those who wait” campaign, including the “Surfer” spot that won a grand prix at Cannes.
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