Diageo Global Travel names Andrew Cowan as Managing Director

Diageo Global Travel has appointed Andrew Cowan as Managing Director. He will oversee the strategic direction of the premium drinks company’s travel retail business. His appointment follows another senior promotion announced recently, with John O’Keeffe named President of Asia Pacific and Global Travel.

Cowan previously led the African Emerging Markets division of the Africa region, directing business operations across Ghana, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Indian Ocean, Angola and several other WACA countries. He has held several key managerial posts in the business including CEO East Africa Breweries and Managing Director GB and Ireland.

Andrew Cowan, left and John O’Keeffe: Recently appointed senior Diageo Global Travel executives who will meet business partners in Cannes

Cowan said: “I am delighted to have joined the GT team at this pivotal moment for travel retail. We are moving ahead this year, buoyed by the opportunity and scope of a changed and enlivened travel industry, but fully conscious of the challenges coming. There is much we want to achieve over the coming period, it is an exciting time for everyone in the team and we are looking forward to engaging the travel retail community at Cannes this October.”

John O’Keeffe joins the Diageo Global Executive Committee, overseeing Global Travel alongside his APAC regional remit. He began his career with Diageo in 1994, and has held a number of marketing and commercial roles. He has run businesses across Europe and multiple emerging markets. Most recently he led Diageo’s global beer portfolio, and was President of the Africa region.

Both O’Keeffe and Cowan will be meeting business partners at TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes.

As reported, Diageo, in partnership with The Moodie Davitt Report, will be hosting ‘The Sunset Sessions’ around several key themes on each of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 5pm, at the Majestic Beach Bar (next to Beach Village 1). The events are open to all.

Topics to be discussed by the panel include promoting positive drinking and responsible consumption; championing inclusion and diversity through building diverse teams in travel retail and beyond; and pioneering grain-to-glass sustainability as well as sustainable brand action within the travel retail channel.

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol, owning high-profile brands such as Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

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