We, at IIMA Archives, are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Sir Ivan Menezes (PGP 1981) on June 7, 2023, in London. Sir Menezes was a highly respected CEO of Diageo, the world's largest spirits maker. He began his illustrious career with the company in 1997 and held various senior positions before being appointed Chief Executive in July 2013. Sir Ivan was set to retire from the Board on June 30, 2023, after a remarkable tenure. Prior to his time at Diageo, Sir Ivan held marketing and strategy positions at Nestle and served as a non-executive director of the US-based fashion retailer Coach, Inc.
Sir Ivan's leadership was widely recognized, and in January 2023, he was awarded a Knighthood for his services to Business and to Equality in His Majesty The King's 2023 New Year Honours List. This prestigious recognition was a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence and his dedication to promoting equality in the workplace.
Sir Ivan was an active member of the London Chapter of IIMA Alumni association, participating in various events and serving as Patron for a long time. One such event was a fireside chat with Mr. Ivan Menezes on May 11, 2015.
In the document of the month, we have included his yearbook entry from 1981, from the IIMA Archives, some remarkable points on his contributions towards gender balance and equality from the Diageo's press release of June 7, 2023. Additionally, we have included the London Gazette's coverage of his prestigious award, and an 'Alumnus' article on his association with the London chapter of IIMA Alumni association.
In honour of the remarkable journey of Sir Ivan Menezes, former Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India, Mr. Arvind Subramanian (IIMA, PGP 1981) wrote a personal recollection titled "Ivan Menezes (1959-2023): A Personal Recollection of His Journey," which we have also included in our document of the month.
Sir Ivan Menezes was a trailblazer in his field, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue to impact the business world for years to come. We are honoured to pay tribute to his life and achievements through our snippet.
