Ivan Menezes, the former CEO of Diageo, the world’s largest spirits company, died on Wednesday at the age of 63. The cause of death was not immediately released, but Menezes had been hospitalized for treatment of a stomach ulcer. Menezes was born in India in 1960 and graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, with a degree in chemical engineering. He began working with Diageo in 1997 and has held a variety of important positions there, most notably president of North America and chief operating officer. He was appointed CEO in 2013. Under Menezes’ leadership, Diageo grew its sales and profits significantly. The company also expanded its geographic reach, acquiring a number of new brands, including Don Julio tequila and Casamigos tequila. Menezes was a respected leader in the business world. He was named CEO of the Year by The Wall Street Journal in 2019. He was also a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Alcohol. Menezes is survived by his wife, two children, and two grandchildren.
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Introduction: Sir Menezes
Sir Ivan Manuel Menezes, an American and British business executive of Indian descent, lived from 10 July 1959 until 7 June 2023. From July 1, 2013, he succeeded Paul S. Walsh as the chief executive officer (CEO) of Diageo, a FTSE 100 British multinational alcoholic beverages firm. The son of Manuel Menezes, who served as the chairman of the Indian Railway Board, Menezes was born in Pune, India. Victor Menezes, his brother, was Citibank’s previous CEO and chairman. Menezes attended St. Stephen’s College in Delhi, the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad, and the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. After graduating from Kellogg, Menezes joined Arthur Andersen in 1982. He left Arthur Andersen in 1986 to join Guinness, where he held a number of senior positions in the company’s finance and marketing departments. In 1997, after the merger of Guinness and Grand Metropolitan, Menezes became a senior vice president at Diageo.
In 2000, Menezes was appointed president of North America for Diageo. In this role, he was responsible for the company’s operations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In 2005, Menezes was appointed chief operating officer for Diageo. In this role, he was responsible for the company’s global operations. In 2013, Menezes was appointed CEO of Diageo. In this role, he oversaw the company’s growth and expansion. He also led the company’s efforts to improve its sustainability practices. Menezes retired as CEO of Diageo in 2023. Menezes was a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Alcohol. He was also a trustee of the British Asian Trust. Menezes was knighted in 2023 for services to business and to equality. Menezes was married and had two children. He died on 7 June 2023, at the age of 63.
Here are some of Menezes’s key achievements as CEO of Diageo:
- Grew the company’s sales and profits by 50%.
- Acquired a number of new brands, including Don Julio tequila and Casamigos tequila.
- Launched a number of new products, including Guinness Nitro IPA and Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old.
- Increased the company’s focus on sustainability.
- Made Diageo one of the most inclusive and diverse companies in the world.
- Menezes was a highly respected leader in the business world. He was named CEO of the Year by The Wall Street Journal in 2019. He was also a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Alcohol.
Menezes will be remembered as a talented executive who made a positive difference in the world. He was a visionary leader who helped to shape the future of Diageo and the global spirits industry.
How He Died?
Ivan Meneze was a respectable man who lived his dignified live. He died due to complications in stomach ulcer surgery.
Reactions to Menezes’ Death
The news of Menezes’ death was met with sadness and shock from the business world. Many people praised his leadership and his contributions to Diageo.
“Ivan was a great leader and a great friend,” said Paul Walsh, the former CEO of Diageo. “He was a brilliant strategist and a gifted communicator. He leaves behind a lasting legacy at Diageo.”
“Ivan was a transformative leader who made a significant impact on Diageo,” said Debra Crew, the current CEO of Diageo. “He was a visionary who set the company on a path of growth and innovation. He will be deeply missed by all of us at Diageo.”
Menezes’ Legacy
Ivan Menezes was a successful CEO who made a significant impact on Diageo. He grew the company’s sales and profits, expanded its geographic reach, and acquired a number of new brands. He was also a respected leader in the business world. Menezes will be remembered as a talented executive who made a positive difference in the world.
