Diageo on-trade sales director van Buuren to retire

The company’s country director GB Andrew Cowan said: “As part of some internal organisational changes in Diageo, Martijn has decided that the time now feels right to move on from his current role and take early retirement.

“Martijn has been a great champion of the on trade sector for many years and has played a significant and influential leadership role within the business. I am sure you will join me in thanking Martijn for his outstanding contribution and his ongoing support.”

Handover​

Van Buuren will remain with the business until September, and is planning a “detailed handover” to his successor Ronak Mashru, who will take over the role of on-trade sales director in July.

Cowan added: “Ronak brings a rich combination of experience and commercial pedigree to the role. Our commitment to the on-trade sector is of course unwavering and through this transition period we are determined to continue to drive our ambitions plans for successful  and mutually profitable growth.”

Diageo is spending £7.5m in the UK in 2014 to help “revolutionise the spirits category by recreating the food revolution of the last 30 years”.

As party of its Spirits Revolution programme, the drinks giant revealed advertising plans for core brands including Smirnoff, Baileys and Johnnie Walker with a focus was on “premiumisation” and “inspiring consumers”.