Diageo picks ex-Smirnoff chief for Guinness GB job

Diageo Great Britain has appointed Russell Jones as marketing director for Guinness and Kaliber GB.

The role became vacant after the previous marketing director, Nick Robinson, was promoted to global marketing director for duty-free earlier in the year. Robinson oversees the marketing of the drinks giant’s brands in airports around the world.

Robinson was responsible for the return of Guinness’ classic ads to television last year, launching a campaign to back the Draught Extra Cold brand. The ads, all created by Abbott Mead Vickers.BBDO, included updated versions of the “Surfer” and “Pure Genius” executions.

In his new role, Jones – a former Smirnoff marketing manager – will report to marketing innovations director Andy Fennell.

Jones’ previous role at Diageo was marketing director for Bailey’s, Gordon’s and Pimm’s.

Jones was recruited by Diageo to oversee the marketing of Bailey’s (MW July 22, 2004), having joined from multimedia music division EMAP Performance, where he was brand director.

Bailey’s is now overseen by marketing director Anna Inama. Former Guinness brand director Steven Sturgeon recently joined William Grant & Sons as global brand director for Glenfiddich (MW August 18).