Diageo Australia makes Adam Ballesty head of marketing and innovation
Ballesty
Diageo Australia has made Adam Ballesty its new marketing and innovation director following Matt Bruhn’s promotion to global brand director of Smirnoff.
Ballesty was marketing manager for Diageo’s white spirits brands for two years and has had a four month secondment in his new role following Bruhn’s departure in October.
Diageo Australia managing director Tim Salt said since assuming the role Ballesty has set out a clear vision for the marketing team and reshaped the team in alignment with that vision.Under Ballesty’s direction, the structure of the marketing department has changed from a focus on the categories of white spirits, rum and whiskey, to the customer segments of luxury, independence and next generation.
Salt said: “He has stretched our thinking on what we take to market, how we take it to market and the channel we use to get there and has done a superb job of taking us all on the journey with him.”
The marketing and innovations director role gives Ballesty responsibility for Diageo’s brand, category, shopper and customer marketing as well as develop innovation for Diageo.
During his role as marketing manager of white spirits Ballesty launched a new business model for the Ciroc brand, extended the reach of Ketel One and re-invigorated the Smirnoff brand with the launch of Smirnoff Double Black, Salt said.
Before joining Diageo, Ballesty worked with wine and spirits company Swift and Moore, now Brown Forman Australia, and managed his own strategy and research business.
In commenting on his appointment, Ballesty said: “My role is to nurture the team’s energy and brilliance and deliver exceptional execution that resonates with our customers, shoppers and Australian consumers.”
Megan Reynolds
A brilliant appointment – the company and team are fortunate to have him. Looking forward to seeing what comes out of Diageo now.
Congrats AB!
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Holy crap!! Well done. Adam is one of the best marketer’s I’ve worked with. Expect some very good work coming out of the Jungo soon.
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Go you little Rat! You’re an utter legend….
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The big one. Once you started at Diageo always knew it was only a matter of time. Well done mate.
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Sometimes the good (and smart) guys win. Well done Adam.
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Nice one Ballo….
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Good bloke
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