The Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) Board of Directors has elected Diageo North America President Deirdre Mahlan as the new Chair of the national trade association, representing leading producers and marketers of distilled spirits sold in the United States. Mahlan succeeds Moët Hennessy North America President & CEO Jim Clerkin, who has chaired the Council since 2016.
Diageo North America President Deirdre Mahlan.
“Deirdre brings enormous experience and insight to the leadership role at the Distilled Spirits Council, and I couldn’t be more pleased that she will lead the Council forward as Chair,” said Clerkin. “Her breadth and depth of leadership in the spirits industry will be advantageous for the Council, as we navigate a dynamic marketplace, and build on eight straight years of market share gains.”
Mahlan has more than 20 years of experience in the consumer goods sector in a number of senior roles, primarily in the United States with Diageo and Seagram. Most recently, she served as global CFO of Diageo PLC, during which time she was a member of Diageo’s Board of Directors.
“On behalf of my fellow Directors, I want to extend our gratitude to Jim for his effective leadership of the Board during a time of such strong momentum. I look forward to working closely with my peers to advance the strategic interests of our sector, our companies, and the Distilled Spirits Council as we continue to pursue marketplace modernization, promote moderation and responsibility, and further grow Spirits market share,” said Mahlan.
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DISCUS Board Names Beam Suntory’s Clarkson Hine Interim President & CEO
The Board also recently appointed Clarkson Hine, Beam Suntory Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs and a member of the Council’s Board, to serve as Interim President & CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council following the decision of Kraig R. Naasz to step down as President & CEO.
The Board has appointed a search committee of senior executives to begin a national search for the Council’s next President & CEO.
The Council Board also re-elected Michael Rudy, Vice President and General Counsel, Mast Jagermeister as Treasurer.
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