Ivan Menezes, the CEO of Diageo, the world's biggest spirits company passed away on Wednesday after he was admitted in hospital on Monday to receive treatment for conditions like stomach ulcer. The company through a statement confirmed his passing.
Javier Ferrán, Chairman, Diageo plc, in the statement said:
“This is an incredibly sad day. Ivan was undoubtedly one of the finest leaders of his generation.
Ivan was there at the creation of Diageo and over 25 years, shaped Diageo to become one of the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer companies. I saw first-hand his steadfast commitment to our people and to creating a culture that enabled everyone to thrive. He invested his time and energy in people at every level of the company and saw potential that others may have overlooked. This is one of many reasons why he was beloved by our employees, past and present.
Ivan’s energy and his commitment to diversity created a truly inclusive business and enabled Diageo to have a positive impact on the communities we serve. His passion for our brands was second-to-none and in his heart, he remained the Johnnie Walker marketer from his early days. The desire to build the world’s best brands never left him.
We are truly privileged to have had the opportunity to work alongside such a thoughtful and passionate colleague and friend - a true gentleman. He has built an extraordinary legacy.
Ivan leaves behind many friends and a beloved family, and our thoughts are particularly with his wife, Shibani and his two children, Nikhil and Rohini. On behalf of the Board, Executive Committee and all our employees, we extend our deepest sympathies to them.”
Rajya Sabha MP Abhishek Singhvi who was the classmate of Menezes at Columba's and Stephen's in a tweet said, "Shocked & numbed two hear of passing of #IvanMenezes, my classmate at Columba’s & Stephen’s. A more gentle laid back & easy going soul would be difficult to find. I used to joke with him as to how, with these traits, he could head a multinational like #Diageo, which he so ably did. RIP my friend."
Independent journalist and Editor Sunit Arora through his tweet said Menezes 'will be deeply missed'.
Diageo in a statement on Monday had said, "Over the weekend, we learned that Ivan's recovery suffered a significant setback due to complications, which followed emergency surgery on the ulcer."
CEO-designate Debra Crew had assumed the top role on an interim basis making her the first female CEO to lead a company in Britain's blue-chip FTSE index. The former US military intelligence officer will be taking on the top role as the company is trying to cement its dominance in the United States and establish several premium brands. She was appointed the operating chief last year and had been president of Diageo North America and Global Supply from 2020.
Ivan Menezes journey in Diageo
Menezes had joined Diageo after its formation post the merger of Guinness and Grand Metropolitan in 1997. The Indian-American steered the company through multiple brand acquisitions and helped increase the sales sharply.
Pune-born Menezes, whose father Manuel Menezes was the chairman of Indian Railway Board rose quickly in the ranks to become an executive director in July 2012 and then he became the chief executive officer in July 2013. When he was the Global Marketing Director, UDV in 1998 he developed the iconic 'Keep Walking' campaign for Johnie Walker.
Menezes helped the spirit making company increase its net sales value by 26 per cent in comparison to 2019.
His brother Victor Menezes is the former chairman and CEO of Citibank.
Ivan Menezes was born on July 10, 1959 in Pune and held both UK and US citizenship and overseas citizenship for India. He was one of Britain's longest serving and one of the most respected FTSE Chief Executives who was a champion for ethnic minorities and women in business. He pushed for more women and his Executive Committee today comprises over half women members.
With the determination from Menezes Diageo halved its carbon emission despite increasing production. His determination to help the community pushed the company to produce 10 million bottles of hand sanitiser for healthcare workers around the globe and he also announced the $100 million 'Raising the Bar' program to help pubs and bars reopen safely.
Pune-born Menezes, whose father Manuel Menezes was the chairman of Indian Railway Board rose quickly in the ranks to become an executive director in July 2012 and then he became the chief executive officer in July 2013.
His brother Victor Menezes is the former chairman and CEO of Citibank.
