Diageo has appointed John O’Keeffe as CEO and president of its North America business, effective April 2026.
O’Keeffe has been with the company for more than 20 years and currently serves as president for Asia Pacific and Global Travel.
He takes over the position from Sally Grimes, who stepped away from the company in March.
He brings extensive international experience, having held senior roles across multiple regions and categories. His previous positions include president of Africa and Beer, CEO and managing director of Guinness Nigeria and managing director for Russia and Eastern Europe.
O’Keeffe has also held global leadership roles spanning innovation, as well as beer and Baileys, in addition to earlier management and marketing positions within the company.
by Rafaela Sousa
Source: foodbev.com
Heineken has sold its shareholding in Brasseries, Limonaderies et Malteries (Bralima), its operating company in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to Elna Holdings. Elna, a Mauritius-based company that operates in the DRC and across Africa, will assume full responsibility for Bralima’s operations. This includes production, distribution, employees and engagement with local stakeholders.
JBS has opened a biotechnology centre in Florianópolis, Brazil, focused on developing applied science across the food production chain. The facility, named JBS Biotech, will operate in areas including animal health, precision nutrition and functional and alternative proteins.
The Coca-Cola system in South Africa, comprising The Coca-Cola Company and its authorised bottlers Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa and Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, plans to invest ZAR 17.6 billion (approx. $1 billion) in the country by 2030.
