Conor Neiland to lead Diageo Ireland
Diageo has appointed Conor Neiland as managing director of its Irish business, following the departure of Louise Ryan after less than a year in the role, the Business Post reports.
Neiland will take up the position on 1 July, moving from his current role as general manager for Diageo Travel Europe and the Americas.
His appointment comes as the global drinks company continues to navigate changing consumer habits and wider restructuring across its leadership team.
A Diageo veteran with more than two decades of experience, Neiland has held a variety of senior commercial and leadership positions across the company’s global operations.
His career has included sales management roles across both the on- and off-trade, innovation commercialisation, and managing director positions in international markets including Colombia and South Korea.
In a statement, a Diageo spokesperson said: “We are pleased to announce the appointment of Conor Neiland as managing director of Diageo Ireland.
“Conor brings nearly two decades of experience from across our business and will lead our continued focus on delivering shared value for our customers and partners.”
The appointment follows the departure of Louise Ryan, who stepped down from the role for personal reasons.
Ryan had taken over the Irish operation less than 12 months ago after joining from Pernod Ricard.
Neiland assumes leadership of the Irish business at a pivotal time for Diageo.
New CEO Dave Lewis is overseeing a wider transformation programme as the global spirits and beer sector faces softer demand, shifting consumer preferences and increased competition from moderation-focused alternatives.
Earlier this year, Diageo lowered its annual outlook and reduced its dividend, citing economic pressures, evolving drinking habits and the impact of emerging trends such as weight-loss medications and alcohol alternatives.
Despite these challenges, Ireland remains a key market for the company.
Earlier this month, Lewis visited Co. Kildare for the official opening of Diageo’s new €300 million brewery in Newbridge, part of the group’s planned €1 billion investment across the island of Ireland between 2020 and 2029.
Neiland will now oversee one of the country’s largest drinks businesses, with responsibility for a portfolio that includes Guinness, Guinness 0.0, Rockshore, Smirnoff, Baileys, Tanqueray and Captain Morgan, across both the retail and hospitality sectors.
Diageo is expected to provide further detail on its performance and strategic direction when it releases its full-year results on 6 August.
