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Edward Pilkington, Global Category Director, Vodka, Rum and Gin, Diageo

Edward Pilkington is responsible for creating, driving and executing the strategy for Diageo's Global Vodka, Rum and Gin business. The brands in this portfolio include Smirnoff Vodka (the world's largest spirit brand), Ketel One Vodka, Captain Morgan Rum and Tanqueray and Gordon's Gin.

A Diageo veteran, he’s been with the company since 1995—in various marketing roles and in various parts of the world. Prior to his Global Category Director role, he served as Marketing and Innovation Director for Latin America and the Caribbean 2005—leading a team of 150 across the region in brand marketing, innovation and consumer planning. This was a large geographic leap from his earlier position in Australia as Marketing Director.

Other roles included Global Brand Director of the Malibu Brand, an early Miami stint for Diageo working across the Americas as Director of Innovation and Strategy, plus initial marketing roles at L’Oreal and also Guinness as both a Marketing Strategy Analyst and an Assistant Country Manager for the Caribbean. Edward is a graduate of the UK’s University of Birmingham