October 22/Marketing Weekly News -- Diageo appointed Maggie Lapcewich to the role of president Global Tequila, effective November 15th. In this role, Lapcewich will be the single point of leadership accountability for the global tequila business encompassing Cuervo and Don Julio. She will be responsible for all aspects of the global tequila business from strategy to execution. Lapcewich will continue to serve on the North America Executive Team, reporting to Larry Schwartz, president of Diageo USA, while also working closely with the other regional presidents.

Over the past few years, Diageo has made significant progress in developing a comprehensive and strategic global tequila strategy. Through the creation of this role, the company will continue to further advance its strategy and relationship with Casa Cuervo, JCI and the Don Julio joint venture.

Commenting on Lapcewich's appointment, Ivan Menezes, president & CEO of Diageo North America said, "Maggie brings tremendous commercial and marketing leadership, strong relationship-building expertise, a passion for our tequila business and a proven ability to deliver outstanding results to this new role. As head of National Accounts, she has significantly advanced our relationships with our national customers, and I am confident she will do the same for our tequila business at the global level."

During her 17 years with Diageo, Lapcewich has also served as the general manager for the Illinois/Indiana cluster and general manager for the central control states where she delivered outstanding results. Prior to her general manager roles, Lapcewich held a number of roles including trade marketing director and brand director Cuervo tequilas/high energy brands.

With this change, Mark Hubler, currently president of Control States, will expand his role to president, Control States & National Accounts. Mark will also join the North America executive team. Hubler joined Diageo 10 years ago and has over 20 years experience in the beverage industry. Prior to his current role he has successfully led the Mid South Cluster with sales, local marketing and financial responsibilities.

"This expansion of Mark's role to include National Accounts recognizes his leadership, experience and great relationships," said Larry Schwartz.

Mark will report into Kevin O'Neil, who is appointed president, U.S. Spirits, National Accounts & Sales Development. "This expansion of Kevin's role recognizes his exceptional leadership and ability to deliver strong, consistent results," said Schwartz, "Given the importance of our global customer agenda, Kevin's leadership will be instrumental to continuing to advance our National Accounts business."

"I would like to congratulate Maggie, Mark and Kevin on their new roles. I am confident these changes will further advance our global tequila and US total beverage alcohol business," concluded Menezes.

From the October 26, 2009, Prepared Foods E-dition