Diageo opens regional hub in Singapore

26/01/06 Diageo, the world's leading premium drinks business, announced today that it has opened a new regional hub office in Singapore.

John Pollaers, Managing Director, Diageo Asia, said, 'I am delighted to announce that we have chosen Singapore as the newest of Diageo's major global hub locations. This recognizes the increasing importance of Asia to Diageo and of our long-term commitment to the region.'

'Our decision to put our regional headquarters in Singapore reflects the country's well-developed infrastructure, highly skilled workforce and regional connectivity. These make it an ideal base for managing our businesses, dealing with our business partners and delivering value to our customers throughout the region. I'd particularly like to thank the Economic Development Board for their support and advice as we made our choice.'

Congratulating Diageo on its opening, Mr Teo Ming Kian, Chairman, Economic Development Board, said, 'We welcome the set up of Diageo's new regional headquarters in Singapore.  Diageo will find in Singapore two critical strengths.  Firstly, for a company dealing in premium brands and products, Singapore offers a trusted hub to manage its regional functions and finances.  Secondly, the market accessibility and excellent connectivity.  We wish Diageo every success in its business.'

Mr Pollaers continued, 'Diageo is committed to becoming one of the most admired and respected businesses in Asia. As the world leader in our industry, we are building strong and lasting relationships with our business partners; working to enrich the communities in which we operate; and creating exciting opportunities for our consumers to celebrate with our range of premium brands.'

'Asia is important to Diageo, whose predecessor companies established a strong presence across the region. Many of our brands, such as Johnnie Walker and Guinness, attract strong local loyalty. The Johnnie Walker range has superb brands for all occasions, including Black Label, a blend of over 40 Scotch whiskies aged for a minimum of 12 years, and the exclusive Blue Label, created from the rarest and most expensive whiskies in the world.  Every second of every day, consumers around the world enjoy five bottles of Johnnie Walker, making Johnnie Walker the world's favourite whisky brand.'

The new structure means that 10 businesses in Asia now report to the regional headquarters. The Singapore office is home to our regional brand directors and provides core support across a number of functions including finance, marketing, supply, human resources and corporate relations.
The new Diageo Asia senior management team, led by John Pollaers, has been pooled from markets around the world. Pollaers, an industry veteran, was credited with the integration of four companies within Australia to form Diageo Australia. Under his leadership, Diageo Australia became one of the fastest growing alcohol businesses for Diageo, with brand leaders in each major category.  John was also Chairman of the Distilled Spirits Industry Council of Australia from 1999 to 2004 and led an initiative to embed the promotion of responsible drinking into industry ways of working.

Over the next 12 months, Diageo will continue to invest in existing and new brands in Asia, the company reported