Diageo Makes Changes to Executive Team

Beverage giant Diageo has announced the appointments of Sally Grimes as chief executive officer, North America, and Claudia Schubert as president & chief operating officer, North America, effective Oct. 1, 2023.

The company says it is investing behind the further growth opportunity that the market presents including in its brands, portfolio, and in its talent.

With more than 25 years’ experience in the food and beverage sector, Grimes is a proven leader in consumer goods and is well-known as a world-class innovator and brand builder. She has a passion for developing a winning culture and is a dedicated champion of inclusion and diversity.

Grimes was most recently the chief executive officer at Clif Bar & Co., the leading maker of organic energy bars in North America. There she successfully led the development of a 10-year strategic growth plan, designed the company's purpose, created a clear portfolio strategy, and ultimately completed the successful sale of the company to Mondelez International.

Previously, as group president of the Prepared Foods segment of Tyson Foods, Grimes ran a $10 billion, 25,000-person organization, reporting to the Global CEO. Her early career began in banking, followed by multiple positions with large consumer goods companies, from Kraft Foods to Newell Brands.

Highlights of Grimes' industry recognition include Fast Company's "Top 100 Most Creative People in Business" and Fortune’s "Most Powerful Women to Watch." She will report to Debra Crew, chief executive and will join the Diageo Executive Committee. Grimes is an experienced non-executive director, having worked on a number of boards, including on the board of Beyond Meat Inc., Continental Grain Co., and Silver Oak Winery.

“Sally’s appointment further strengthens our world class executive team at Diageo," said Debra Crew, chief executive. "Sally brings a significant depth of experience in the consumer goods sector in North America and has a proven ability to drive substantial growth in businesses. I’m confident that with these appointments, we are set up to win at pace in North America.”

Claudia Schubert, president of Diageo North America, was named to also hold the role of chief operating officer, North America. She will report to Grimes. Schubert has more than 20 years of total beverage alcohol experience and brings a proven strategic, performance, and operations track record into this role.

During the last few years in North America, Schubert successfully led the US Spirits business through the disruption of COVID-19, has managed the explosive rise of Diageo's tequila business and integrated several acquisitions. She has shaped and executed growth strategies in general management, commercial and marketing roles across North America, Europem and the Middle East and has been a board member of Distill Ventures. She is known for her trusted relationships across the industry as well as building high-performing teams and her strong commitment to delivering Diageo’s Society 2030 goals.