Alcohol giant and Guinness maker Diageo has strengthened its sustainability leadership with a raft of new senior appointments across the supply chain and product innovation teams.
Kristin Hughes has been named global head of sustainability, sitting within the supply chain and procurement part of the business.
She will report directly to Ewan Andrew, president, global supply chain and procurement and chief sustainability officer and will be responsible for leading the global sustainability team. Hughes will be designing the strategy needed to deliver Diageo’s overarching grain-to-glass sustainability agenda, with a focus on decarbonisation, water, nature, and raw materials across the company’s global value chain.
Previously a senior leader at the World Economic Forum, Hughes oversaw the organisation’s circular economy platform and created the Global Plastic Action Partnership – which has so far helped twenty countries create a circular economy for plastics.
Prior to this, she was global vice-president for sustainability, corporate affairs, health and nutrition at Mars Food.
“We’re delighted to welcome Kristin into this critical role at Diageo,” said Andrew.
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“The depth and wealth of expertise and experience makes her ideal to progress our sustainability strategy. I look forward to working closely with Kristin as we accelerate towards building a resilient, sustainable business, and doing our best for people and planet.”
The last year has seen Diageo expanding its sustainability focus, introducing two new roles in the newly-formed breakthrough innovation team.
Dr Dave Lütkenhaus joined as global sustainability breakthrough innovation director to drive new technologies, packaging and formats; while Deb Caldow joined as global marketing sustainability director.
The new hires continue to enhance Diageo’s sustainability expertise as its moves towards the goals set out in its 10-year ESG action plan – Society 2030: Spirit of Progress.
Last year, Diageo began trialling reusable glass packaging across Gordon’s gin, Captain Morgan rum and Smirnoff vodka.
