Johnnie Walker owner Diageo has appointed John O’Keeffe as its North America president and CEO, replacing Sally Grimes, who left the firm with immediate effect this week.
John O’Keeffe now leads Diageo’s North American arm following Sally Grimes’ exit
O’Keeffe moves into the role having previously served as Diageo’s president of Asia Pacific and global travel retail business.
His other roles held at the London-headquartered firm since joining in January 1994 have included global head of innovation and managing director of Russia and Eastern Europe, among numerous other management and marketing positions.
A Diageo spokesperson said: “John is a well-respected leader in our business, known for building high-performing, engaged teams and building trusted partnerships with customers and distributors.
“His blend of consumer, brand-building and category capabilities uniquely positions him to lead North America over the next few years.”
O’Keeffe takes over the position from Sally Grimes, who stepped away from the company this week.
“We’d like to thank Sally for her contribution to Diageo and wish her all the very best in the future,” the Diageo spokesperson added.
Grimes took on the North America CEO role for Diageo in September 2023, having joined from energy food and drinks maker Clif Bar & Company.
Diageo’s sales in North America were down by 6.8% in the first half (H1) of its 2026 fiscal year. The region makes up 36% of Diageo’s net sales.
Following the release of the company’s financial results, CEO Sir Dave Lewis said he was targeting the mass market, which he believes is an area where Diageo is “significantly underrepresented”.
Last week, the Indian arm of Diageo agreed to sell its Premier League cricket business to a consortium for INR 166.6 billion (US$1.77bn).
Last week two of Diageo’s biggest competitors, Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman, confirmed they are in early talks to form a merger.
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