Diageo Australia has announced a series of strategic appointments to its executive leadership team, reinforcing its commitment to growth and innovation in the Australian market.
The changes see the addition of seasoned leaders from across the global Diageo network, with Sarah Shimmons named as Marketing and Innovation Director, Carolina Puerta as Supply Chain Director, Dan Timmins as HR Director, and Wilson Del Socorro expanding his responsibilities to lead Corporate Relations in Australia alongside his existing APAC role.
Diageo Australia Managing Director Dan Hamilton welcomed the new appointments, praising the depth of experience each leader brings to the table.
“The calibre of talent joining my executive leadership team is second to none,” Hamilton said. “There’s incredible growth opportunity in the Australian drinks industry and I’m delighted to be able to draw on the deep expertise from leaders who have been working across Diageo in other markets.
“They all bring a global lens to how we leverage our blend of iconic brands like local star Bundaberg Rum as well as our global giants like Johnnie Walker and Smirnoff in the Australian market and how we continue to build strong partnerships with our customers and other important trade partners.”
Shimmons steps into the Marketing and Innovation Director role with more than 16 years’ experience in FMCG marketing. She has spent the last seven years at Diageo, holding leadership roles in Ireland, Great Britain, North America, and Global Travel. Most recently based in London, she served as Marketing and Innovation Director for Global Travel. Shimmons has been instrumental in delivering standout performance for brands like Don Julio 1942 and Johnnie Walker and has led launches including Johnnie Walker XO and The Singleton Gardens of Abundance collection.
As Global Marketing Director for Smirnoff, she was behind the brand’s most recent global campaigns, ‘Infamous Since 1864’ and ‘We Do We’, while also spearheading flavour innovation and the RTD pipeline.
Joining as Supply Chain Director, Puerta brings close to two decades of operational leadership across the FMCG, health and telecommunications sectors. Most recently, she served as Operations Director – Tequila and Mezcal for Diageo Mexico, based in Guadalajara. Known for building high-performance teams, Puerta is respected for her ability to drive innovation and a culture of collaboration.
Timmins, who will assume the role of HR Director in June following his relocation to Sydney, has held several HR leadership positions during his eight years at Diageo. Most recently, he was based in Santiago as Head of HR South LAC. There, he played a pivotal role in talent development and transformation, with a strong focus on inclusion and diversity.
Del Socorro, who has been APAC Corporate Relations Director since February 2022, will now expand his remit to include leadership of the Australian corporate relations function. Based in Brisbane, Del Socorro has been with Diageo since 2010 and has held senior roles across Asia and the UK, including Global Government Affairs Director, International Trade and Tax Director, and Southeast Asia CR Director. He now joins the Diageo Australia executive team, while retaining his place on the APAC executive leadership team.
Shimmons, Puerta and Del Socorro have already commenced their new roles, while Timmins will begin his position in June.
