Diageo Global Travel President Sam Fischer shares upbeat departing message

INTERNATIONAL. Diageo President Asia Pacific and Global Travel Sam Fischer has bid a fond farewell to his colleagues after 16 years with the drinks giant in a post on social media. As reported, he is joining Australasian beverage company Lion as CEO.

His successor John O’Keeffe, currently Diageo President Africa, takes over Fischer’s position on 1 July.

Fischer has spent nearly eight years in his current role at Diageo, and had earlier spells as Managing Director of both the company’s Southeast Asia and Greater China divisions.

In a LinkedIn post, Fischer said: “I have decided to move on from a business and team that has been an integral part of my life and in many ways, helped shape the leader and individual that I am now.

Sam Fischer (above) will be succeeded as Diageo President Asia Pacific and Global Travel by the vastly-experienced John O’Keeffe (below), a veteran who has been with the company for 28 years

“It has been a fantastic journey and I have had the privilege of living in multiple cities across APAC, working with diverse colleagues, partners and customers and learning from so many extraordinary people over the years.

“I feel grateful to have been given the opportunity to lead resilient, restless and agile teams that have shaped Diageo APAC and helped our brands grow and emerge stronger even during the most challenging times.”

His replacement O’Keeffe has been at Diageo since 1994, performing a wide variety of roles including Global Head of Innovation and Global Category Director Beer & Baileys.

Of his successor, Fischer, who is also a Non-Executive Director of Burberry, said: “There are many more exciting milestones for Diageo APAC and I’m delighted to pass the baton to John O’Keeffe, whom I have known for many years. John is a fearless and inspiring leader, with a wealth of experience to unleash the next phase of growth for the business and our people in the region.”

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