Sir Ivan Menezes, CEO of Diageo, the world’s largest spirits corporation, died at the age of 63.

On Wednesday, the Guinness and Johnnie Walker creator announced his death, saying he “passed away following a brief illness, with his family by his side.”

The British-American national was born in Pune, India. He was scheduled to leave at the end of the month.

Menezes was hospitalized earlier this week for illnesses including a stomach ulcer, according to the firm.

“Today is a very sad day.” “Ivan was without a doubt one of the finest leaders of his generation,” said Diageo chairman Javier Ferrán.

“Over 25 years, Ivan shaped Diageo to become one of the best performing, most trusted, and respected consumer companies,” Mr Ferrán continued.

Firms have been advised to limit the amount of alcohol used at work parties.
Diageo’s sales are being influenced by the growing popularity of home cocktails.
Prior to joining Diageo, he worked in marketing and strategy at significant corporations like as Nestlé, the world’s largest food and beverage company.

Menezes joined Diageo in 1997, when the company was founded by the merging of Guinness and the London-based multinational Grand Metropolitan.

He held numerous key positions at the company throughout his career until being appointed CEO in July 2013.

‘Absolutely genuine’
Several corporate executives have paid respect to Menezes.

Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan stated on LinkedIn that he interned at a company in London where Menezes was a “leader on the move.”

“Over the years, our paths have crossed in the US, India, and finally in London – as two CEOs of Indian origin, leading companies through a very difficult Covid period,” he explained.

“He was classy, bold, kind, thoughtful, and so downright modest – a true ‘gentle, giant’ of a leader,” Mr Narasimhan continued.

Menezes was one of the first persons to congratulate Alexandre Ricard, chairman and CEO of French spirits major Pernod Ricard, on his appointment in 2015.

“In an increasingly competitive business world, Ivan remained a profoundly genuine and authentic person,” Mr Ricard said on LinkedIn. “May he now rest in peace.”

Menezes also held various key positions at Diageo during the course of his career.

As the company’s worldwide marketing director, he was responsible for the legendary Johnnie Walker “Keep Walking” ad, which debuted in 1999.

The promotion has been carried on by the Scotch whisky company, which says it “embodies our desire for progress, the fuel to face adversity, and the joy of unfiltered optimism.”

Menezes was nominated an executive director of Diageo and added to the company’s board in 2012. A year later, he was elevated to the position of CEO.

The company’s revenues increased during his tenure as it acquired various brands, notably the Philippine rum brand Don Papa.

Diageo presently promotes more than 200 brands in over 180 countries.

Menezes indicated earlier this year that he would step down as CEO on June 30 after a decade in charge.

Debra Crew, the chief operational officer, was poised to succeed him.

Ms Crew was named temporary CEO of Diageo on Monday while Menezes was seeking medical care.

In King Charles’ first New Year Honours, he was knighted for contributions to business and equality.

Shibani Menezes and their two children, Nikhil and Rohini, survive Menezes.