Alcoholic beverage giant Diageo announced Wednesday that its former chief executive Ivan Menezes had died at the age of 63, just two days after his early departure due to surgical complications. "It is with deep sadness that Diageo announces that Ivan Menezes has passed away following a brief illness, with his family by his side," the British group said in a statement.
Mr. Menezes, at the head of Diageo for ten years, "was there at the creation of Diageo" in 1997 and for 25 years since, "he has helped make the group one of the most successful and respected FMCG companies," commented the chairman of the board Javier Ferran, describing the former leader as "much loved by employees past and present". "Ivan leaves behind many friends and beloved family, and our thoughts are especially with his wife, Shibani, and his two children, Nikhil and Rohini," Ferran concludes.
Mr. Menezes was born on 10 July 1959 in Pune, India. He was a British, American, and Indian citizen. The group had announced on Monday the early departure for health reasons of Mr. Menezes, who was due to retire on July 1. The new Executive Director, Debra Crew, took office a little less than a month earlier than originally planned.