Diageo has announced that James Davies is the new Diageo Northern Ireland Country Director.

James, who will also lead the Customer Marketing team across the island of Ireland, has worked with Diageo in Great Britain and in Europe for over 13 years, holding a number of senior roles across the business.

Commenting on the appointment, Oliver Loomes, MD Diageo Ireland, said; “We are excited to formally announce the appointment of James as Diageo Northern Ireland’s Country Director with immediate effect. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role with an in–depth understanding of our customers, both on and off trade, as well as the wider industry.”

“James’ energy, vision and leadership will significantly add to a great team in Northern Ireland, which makes an important contribution to the local economy. As the industry and the economy seeks to plot its course to recovery following the acute challenges of COVID 19, his leadership will be an important asset as Diageo plays its part in supporting economic resurgence.”

 In 2018 James developed and implemented a customer focused strategy which delivered a significant uplift in Diageo GB’s market share performance and more recently he has led a major internal project within the company’s European region.

 Commenting on his appointment, James said; “It’s an honour to have been appointed as Country Director for Diageo Northern Ireland. Diageo has a strong economic footprint in Northern Ireland with great production facilities, talented teams, market leading products and industry defining leadership which contributes to both civic and economic life.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead, working closely with customers, partners and the wider hospitality and tourism sector in this uncertain time to positively influence economic recovery.”

Diageo employs over 340 people across its three sites in Northern Ireland. These include its bottling and packaging plant in East Belfast, its corporate headquarters in Belfast City centre, which is home to the customer service teams for GB and Ireland, and Baileys Global Supply at Mallusk which produces and exports over 70% of the world’s Baileys.