Diageo Australia managing director David Smith will leave the country after Easter to take on the role of managing director for the company in southern Europe from 1 May.
Smith will be based in Madrid and will head the businesses in Spain, Italy, France, Greece and Portugal.
Diageo Greater China & Asia president Sam Fischer said he was thankful for Smith’s strong leadership and support to the wider Asia Pacific business during his time as managing director in Australia.
“David has been an exceptional leader of our Australasian business over the past five years and his appointment to this exciting new role in Southern Europe is testament to his talent and character,” said Fischer.
“Diageo Australia has never been in better shape and David has led strong performance with top line momentum accelerating significantly during his tenure.
“David’s leadership has ensured sustainable top line growth of more than 5 per cent annually, and more importantly has shaped a future-focussed strategy that ensures we’re set up for long-term growth.”
Diageo is in the process of recruiting a new managing director for Australia.
