Oliver Loomes to step down

After more than 21 years with the company, Diageo Ireland's Managing Director Oliver Loomes is stepping down to be replaced by Barry O'Sullivan.

 

 

Oliver has been Diageo’s Country Director and then Managing Director for Ireland since 2015. Under his stewardship the Ireland business enjoyed a period of growth with the launch of new products and innovations such as the Rockshore brand. More recently, during the pandemic, Ollie’s external leadership as Drinks Ireland Chair has been vital in steering the sector through an enormously challenging period.

Prior to being appointed Managing Director for Ireland Ollie had a successful career in marketing with Diageo including the role of Global Brand Director for Guinness from to 2011 to 2014 when he led a range of breakthrough initiatives including the Guinness 250^th Celebrations in Ireland, the creation of the Guinness ‘Made of More’ campaign, the creation of the Open Gate Brewery and the HopHouse13 brand.

Barry O’Sullivan, previously Managing Director for Mars Petcare in Australia and New Zealand, also held the positions of General Manager for Mars Chocolate based in Mexico and General Manager for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa at Mars Incorporated.

He will report to Diageo Europe & India President John Kennedy and will join Diageo Ireland on the 19^th of April 2021 allowing for a transition period prior to Ollie’s departure at the end of the financial year, the end of June.