Ivan Menezes

Diageo (DGE.L) said long-time boss Ivan Menezes, who held the CEO role at the world's biggest spirits company for 10 years, had died after a brief illness. The 63-year-old, who was set to retire at the end of this month, was in hospital receiving treatment for conditions including a stomach ulcer and died after surgery for complications. Ivan Menezes was elected to Coach’s Board of Directors in February 2005. Mr. Menezes has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Diageo North America, the world’s leading premium drinks company, since January 2004, after having served as its President and Chief Operating Officer from July 2002, and as President of Diageo, Venture Markets since July 2000. Since joining Diageo in 1997 he has held various progressively senior management positions. Before joining Diageo, he held senior marketing positions with Whirlpool Europe in Milan and was a principal with Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., both in Chicago and in London. Mr. Menezes holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from St. Stephen's College, Delhi, a post graduate diploma from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad and an M.B.A. degree from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. British-American national Menezes was born in the Indian city of Pune and joined Diageo after its formation through the merger of Guinness and Grand Metropolitan in 1997. Menezes, who was awarded a knighthood this year, is survived by his wife and two children.