Man of the Year 2007

Paul Walsh, CEO, Diageo

Since he was appointed CEO of Diageo in 2000, Paul Walsh has managed to win the admiration of the drinks industry. According to the drinks business judging panel, both Walsh and his senior management team have revolutionised the way business is done.

During Walsh’s tenure, Diageo’s brands have continued to dominate the international markets, new product development has remained fresh and challenging and, most important of all, Walsh has managed to do all this while keeping the City happy. (The company’s operating profits are expected to rise 8% this year).

One of the drinks business judges said: “Paul Walsh changed the name of the game when it came to handling the Seagram portfolio and while the company has a range of mature brands their performance is tremendous globally. In every way what Paul Walsh has achieved with Diageo is an outstanding success.”

Under Walsh’s leadership, Diageo has revived the Johnnie Walker brand with its famous “keep walking” campaign, making it the world’s leading Scotch whisky. Diageo is currently building Johnnie Walker’s premium market share by sponsoring the Formula One championship as well as producing the Blue Label King George V range. Diageo, which produces the world’s leading vodka – Smirnoff – also owns Guinness. Although the stout has recently experienced a slowdown in sales in the UK and Ireland, its marketing strategy is still envied the world over.

A member of our judging panel summed it up: “Paul Walsh is a man of integrity, who runs a world-class company making him justly deserving of this award.”