Diageo names Syl Saller CMO
Diageo has appointed Marketing Week columnist Syl Saller to the chief marketing officer role replacing Andy Fennell who is to head up the drinks giant’s growing African business.
Saller will move up from her current role as global innovation director next month and sit on the Smirnoff and Guiness maker’s executive committee.
Fennell, who was appointed CMO in 2008, will become president and chief operating officer of its African business.
His appointment is the latest signal of how important the territory is to Diageo’s future growth plans. Revenue from its African, Eastern European and Turkish businesses grew 9 per cent in the nine months to 31 March, outpacing all but Latin America, and the company is investing heavily in marketing to grow its brands.
Earlier this year, Phillip Gladman moved to lead marketing and innovation in Africa from his position as marketing director for white spirit brands in Europe.
Saller joined Diageo in 1999 and has has also held senior marketing jobs at Procter & Gamble and Holson Burnes Group. Read her latest Marketing Week column on why true innovators must behave like entrepreneurs here.
Last week it was announced marketing and innovation director for Western Europe Matthew Barwell is to leave Diageo after 15 years. The company is to replace him.
