Diageo Australia MD to resign

Diageo managing director Australia Angus McPherson will leave the global drinks business at the end of September 2023, to pursue an opportunity outside the company. McPherson joined the business in 2020.

Throughout his tenure, McPherson oversaw top-line growth and a near doubling in sales of its Reserve and Super Deluxe portfolio, as well as the acquisition of Australian premium cold brew coffee liqueur Mr Black in 2022. 

Diageo says McPherson was instrumental in advancing the interests of Australia’s growing spirits industry, holding industry leadership roles with Spirits and Cocktails Australia and DrinkWise.

Under McPherson, Diageo says it took significant steps to continue to build a more inclusive and diverse workplace. This included the launch of new policies, such as the full payment of superannuation for employees who choose to take 52 weeks of family leave.

Diageo Asia Pacific president John O’Keeffe said McPherson’s commitment to leadership was particularly evident during Covid, and in his work on the business's Raising the Bar initiative, in which Diageo pledged $100 million to support the recovery of the hospitality sector around the world during the pandemic. 

“Through his commitment to create a high-performing organisation, Angus fostered a team that embodies passion, determination and resilience. One of his proudest moments was working alongside Diageo Australia colleagues to support our customers through the Raising the Bar initiative,” O’Keeffe said.

McPherson said, “It has been a privilege to work at Diageo. The team’s resilience and passion for the business and its brands, particularly as we managed the challenges of COVID, is something I am incredibly proud of.”

Diageo says a successor to take on the role of managing director Australia will be announced soon.