Diageo has recruited internally for its next chief innovation officer, with Mark Sandys moving up to assume the role.
Sandys, who joined Diageo back in 1997, transitioned last week from global head of beer, Baileys, Smirnoff & Captain Morgan to the innovation lead. When contacted by Global Drinks Intel, a spokesperson for the group confirmed the change has come about following the departure of Michael Ward, who also joined the company in 1997 and was CIO for seven years.
In a post on LinkedIn earlier this week, Ward said: “I know it’s time to look for my next professional adventure.”
Sandys will report in to CMO Christina Diezhandino, as was the case in his previous position. Having started with Diageo as a graduate trainee, Sandys has held innovation-focussed posts for Baileys, from 2005 to 2008, and for the Russia & Eastern Europe region (2008 to 2011).
Late last month, Diageo made an innovation play on the technology side, acquiring AI specialist Vivanda for an undisclosed sum.
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