Diageo appoints new digital and e-commerce general manager

By Erin Smith

Published: 05 February, 2015

Marco Preda has been appointed to the newly created role of general manager, digital and e-commerce, Europe at Diageo.

John Kennedy, president of Diageo Europe said: "We are delighted to welcome Marco and his considerable digital expertise to Diageo. The digital world opens up new opportunities for us and we are really excited about the role Marco will play in shaping the future of the company."

Preda has extensive background in implementing digital strategies for big brands. He comes from Ralph Lauren, where he established the company's European digital roadmap and launched an e-commerce platform across 15 countries. He was the senior director for e-commerce, business operations and strategic planning.

At Diageo Preda will be responsible for providing a constant consumer experience across all of Diego's online platforms. He will also be focusing on growing Diageo's direct to consumer platforms.

"As industry leader, Diageo is at the forefront of innovation and there is tremendous potential to further strengthen the business on the digital front. I am excited to lead this talented team to develop a best-in-class digital strategy for Diageo," said Preda.

Diageo has been recently investing more in the digital and online space and wants to make sure it has the team and leadership in place to be an industry leader.

Last year Diageo launched its Diageo Technology Ventures which released briefs that tech star-ups then proposed possible solutions for the specific challenges. Winners then received up to US$100,000 to help develop the ideas.

Diageo is hoping the programme will help to develop technology led innovations for their brands ahead of competitors. "This programme will also further build our internal ability to move with pace and provoke a genuine entrepreneurial mind-set in our pursuit of breakthrough innovation," said Syl Saller chief marketing officer at Diageo.

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