Sir Ivan Menezes: Boss of Guinness maker Diageo dies at 63

Sir Ivan Menezes, main enforcement of the world's biggest spirits institution Diageo, has died aged 63.

The British-American nationalist was calved successful the Indian metropolis of Pune. He was acceptable to discontinue astatine the extremity of the month.

Earlier this week, the steadfast said Menezes was successful infirmary for conditions including a tummy ulcer.

"This is an incredibly bittersweet day. Ivan was undoubtedly 1 of the finest leaders of his generation," Diageo president Javier Ferrán said.

"Ivan was determination astatine the instauration of Diageo and implicit 25 years, shaped Diageo to go 1 of the champion performing, astir trusted and respected user companies," Mr Ferrán added.

Prior to Diageo, helium held selling and strategy positions astatine large companies including nutrient and beverage elephantine Nestlé.

Menezes joined Diageo successful 1997 erstwhile the steadfast was formed done the merger of brewery elephantine Guinness and London-based conglomerate Grand Metropolitan.

Over the people of his career, helium held respective elder roles astatine Diageo.

As the firm's planetary selling director, helium was down the iconic Johnnie Walker "Keep Walking" campaign, which was launched successful 1999.

The Scotch whisky marque has continued to tally the run saying it "embodies our tendency for progress, the substance to tackle adversity, and the joyousness of unfiltered optimism."

In 2012, Menezes was named arsenic an enforcement manager of Diageo and appointed to the company's board. He was promoted to main enforcement a twelvemonth later.

Under his leadership, the company's income grew arsenic it bought respective brands, including Philippine rum marque Don Papa.

Diageo presently has much than 200 brands, which it markets successful implicit 180 countries.

Earlier this year, the institution announced that Menezes planned to discontinue connected 30 June, aft a decennary arsenic its main executive.

He was acceptable to beryllium succeeded by main operating serviceman Debra Crew.

On Monday, Ms Crew was appointed arsenic Diageo's interim main enforcement arsenic Menezes was undergoing aesculapian treatment.

He was awarded a knighthood successful King Charles' archetypal New Year Honours for services to concern and equality.

Menezes is survived by his wife, Shibani and their 2 children, Nikhil and Rohini.