Diageo picks UDV chief for top merged position

Diageo has appointed Don Goulding as Great Britain managing director of its newly combined Guinness UDV operation.

Goulding, previously managing director of UDV UK, will report to Ian Meakins, who has been made president of European major markets and global supply at Guinness UDV.

Meakins, former UDV managing director for global operations, will have responsibility for the UK, Ireland and Spain.

Diageo has also confirmed the appointment of John Replogle as managing director of Guinness Great Britain. He had been acting managing director since Stephen Nelson left four months ago to become Guinness World Records.com chief executive.

Replogle will report to Goulding while UDV and Guinness are integrated over the next 12 months.

It is not clear what role Replogle will play once the merger is complete. A Guinness GB spokeswoman says a decision on his future will be made “closer to the time”.

The spokeswoman adds: “Replogle’s responsibility for a year will be to ensure a smooth transition during the merger.

“He will use his brewing expertise to work with Goulding on the integration.”

Former UDV global marketing director Rob Malcolm has been named as Guinness UDV president of global marketing, sales and innovation (MW July 20). Nick Fell, former Guinness global marketing director, is now Guinness global brand director reporting to Malcolm, who in turn reports to Diageo incoming chief executive Paul Walsh.