Guinness manufacturer Diageo has announced that after more than 21 years with the company, Oliver Loomes will step down as managing director of Diageo Ireland and leave the business at the end of June as he looks to pursue the next chapter in his career.
Former managing director for Mars Petcare in Australia and New Zealand Barry O'Sullivan has been appointed as Loomes's replacement, and will report to Diageo Europe and India president John Kennedy. O'Sullivan will join Diageo Ireland on April 19, 2021, allowing for a transition period prior to Loomes's departure at the end of the company's current financial year.
Loomes's And O'Sullivan's Histories
Diageo stated, "Oliver Loomes has been country director and then managing director for Ireland since 2015. Under Ollie's stewardship, the Ireland business has enjoyed a period of growth with the launch of new products and innovations such as the Rockshore brand, one of the fastest growing beer brands in Ireland in decades. More recently during the pandemic, Ollie's external leadership as chair of Drinks Ireland has been vital to steering the sector through an enormously challenging period. Prior to being appointed managing director for Ireland, Ollie had a successful career in marketing with Diageo including the role of global brand director for Guinness from to 2011 to 2014, when Ollie led a range of breakthrough initiatives including the Guinness 250th celebrations in Ireland, the creation of Guinness 'Made of More', alongside the creation of the Open Gate Brewery and the HopHouse13 brand.
"Barry O'Sullivan joins Diageo from Mars Petcare where he led the Australia and New Zealand business. He previously held the positions of general manager, Mars Chocolate based in Mexico and general manager for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa at Mars Incorporated. Transition between Ollie and Barry will take place up until the end of June 2021."
Diageo Europe And India President Statement
Kennedy stated, "On behalf of Diageo, I would like to thank Ollie for the significant contribution he has made to Diageo and for the legacy that he leaves behind, not just in Ireland but in many countries around the world. He has made a substantial impact on the business, both on a professional and a personal level, and I wish him all the best for the future. I would also like to congratulate Barry on his appointment and welcome him to the Ireland business in his new role. I am excited about the experience that Barry brings to the role and look forward to what he will achieve for Ireland."
© 2021 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
