Diageo Taps GM Exec as New CMO

NEW YORK Diageo said Thursday that Debra Kelly-Ennis has been named CMO of its North American division, effective April 25.

Kelly-Ennis comes to the spirits, wine and beer company from General Motor’s subsidiary Saab USA, where she most recently served as president and COO. Kelly-Ennis will report directly to Diageo North America president and CEO Ivan Menezes.

At Diageo, she succeeds evp of consumer strategy and marketing Mark Waller, who has left the company.

“Diageo North America’s strong performance over the last few years and continued commitment to responsible marketing has allowed us to engage more closely with our customers and consumers,” Menezes said in a statement.