Diageo CEO Sir Menezes Passes Away
The company announced that Ivan Menezes passed away today after a short illness. He was 63 years old. Menezes was the CEO of Diageo and had served as one of the leaders of the FTSE 100 for a long time.
He passed away shortly after having emergency surgery. The surgery was for a few different issues, including a stomach ulcer that had complications. He was born in Pune, India in July of 1959. He went to school at St. Stephen's College in Delhi and the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad. He was supposed to retire from the company he helped change at the end of this month. He had a wife and two children.
Menezes made the company grow globally. He worked there for 25 years, and was the CEO for 10 years. He helped create Diageo in 1997 by merging Guinness and Grand Metropolitan. Back then, he was a strategy director at Guinness.
The chairman of Diageo, Javier Ferrán, said he's privileged to work with a passionate colleague and friend who's also a true gentleman. This colleague has built a great legacy.
Ivan had lots of friends and a loved family. We're thinking of his wife Shibani and his two children Nikhil and Rohini. Our Board, Executive Committee, and employees are sorry for their loss.
Sir Ivan was a member of Diageo for a long time. He was also a leader in the FTSE 100 for a long time. Sadly, he passed away. His wife Shibani and his two children, Nikhil and Rohini, survive him.
Menezes made the Empower Role Model List. The list includes business leaders helping people of colour break down barriers. Menezes actively works towards a more inclusive working environment. Empower is responsible for the list.
The company expressed pride for Guinness becoming the top-selling beer in Great Britain's on-trade market.
Menezes took charge during Covid 19 and made 10 million bottles of hand sanitizer for healthcare workers. The Secretary of State for health praised Diageo for their efforts.
Debra Crew is now interim CEO. Menezes had surgery for a stomach ulcer. His recovery had problems. The company announced this earlier in the week.
