• June 10, 2008

He replaces Debra Kelly-Ennis, who takes the role of president of Diageo Canada. Both are effective Sept. 1.

Kelly-Ennis replaces current president John Kennedy, who will become managing director of Diageo Ireland.

In leading the U.S. marketing organization for more than three years, Kelly-Ennis spearheaded several significant marketing initiatives, including Ciroc vodka's alliance with Sean Combs, and helped unify the sales and marketing teams, greatly impacting the growth of Diageo's brands in the U.S.

Prior to her role at Diageo, Kelly-Ennis served as president and COO of Saab Cars and led the division to set U.S. sales records for new and used cars, as well as parts and accessories in 2003. In addition to her General Motors experience, she has held a number of marketing and sales leadership roles and general management positions with global companies RJR/Nabisco and Grand Metropolitan, plc.

Jon Potter, currently president of global marketing vodka and rum, will be charged with driving Diageo North America's overall marketing strategy.

In his current role, Potter has sharpened Diageo's strategy for Smirnoff Vodka and Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, identifying opportunities for premiumization and global expansion, respectively.

Prior to this, in his role as General Manager Venture Africa, Potter led the region to exceed its plan and deliver exceptional growth on Diageo's global priority brands. Preceding that role, Potter was Global Brand Director for Guinness, establishing a redefined global brand strategy that returned many regions in the world to growth.

--Nina M. Lentini