Diageo’s luxury goods boss: The ‘new Silk Road’ runs from west to east

March 26, 2014 1:23

Thompson speaking at Global Marketer Conference.

The boss of Diageo’s luxury division James Thompson has told a room full of senior marketers that the luxury market is alive and well in the Asia-Pacific region and that we are seeing the emergence of a ‘new Silk Road’.

Thompson, who is global managing director of Diageo Reserve, told the Global Marketers Conference in Sydney today that the ‘new Silk Road’ did not see luxury goods move from the east to the west, but rather operated in reverse with Asian markets seeking Western luxury items.

“Once upon a time luxury was a static market travelling west to east. Now it is a dynamic, evolving market which can be from anywhere, everywhere and is a celebration of all markets,” said Thompson.

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Nic Christensen

Nic Christensen worked for Mumbrella from 2013 to 2016, in roles including deputy editor and media & technology editor. He is former media writer for The Australian and has also worked as a reporter for The Daily Telegraph and senior producer for Radio 2GB.

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