Spirits company Diageo has appointed Sally Grimes, an Indian American, as the Chief Executive Officer for North America, starting from October 1st. This announcement was made by the global beverage giant, known for brands like Guinness and Johnnie Walker. Diageo highlighted Grimes’ extensive experience in the food and beverage industry, spanning over 25 years. She’s recognized as a leader in consumer goods and a renowned innovator and brand builder. Grimes will report to Debra Crew, the chief executive, and will become a part of the Diageo Executive Committee.
Previously, Sally Grimes served as the CEO of Clif Bar & Company, a leading organic energy bar manufacturer in North America. During her tenure, she successfully crafted a 10-year strategic growth plan, established the company’s purpose, devised a clear portfolio strategy, and ultimately oversaw the company’s successful acquisition by Mondelez International.
Born to Indian immigrant parents who arrived in the U.S. during the 1960s to pursue their education, Grimes grew up in Bourbonnais, located an hour south of Chicago. Her given name is Shobana, and she adopted the middle name Sally to honor her mother’s first American friend. Her upbringing was influenced by her parents’ immigrant culture, characterized by empathy and a willingness to help others.
Sally Grimes’ passion for food has deep roots, as she recalled engaging in discussions about meals at every family gathering. Initially, her entrepreneurial ambitions leaned toward creativity rather than culinary arts, and her first job involved selling homemade greeting cards door-to-door.
Before her role at Clif Bar, she served as the group president of the Prepared Foods segment at Tyson Foods, overseeing a $10 billion organization with 25,000 employees and reporting to the Global CEO. Her career commenced in banking, followed by various positions in major consumer goods companies.
After obtaining a finance degree from Valparaiso University, she worked at First Citizens Bank before pursuing an MBA at the University of Chicago. Her post-business school journey began at Kraft, where she started as an associate brand manager, contributing to products like SpongeBob SquarePants Macaroni & Cheese, Kraft salad dressing, DiGiorno pizza, and Jell-O.
She left Kraft in 2007 to lead marketing for Newell Rubbermaid’s writing business, including Sharpie and Paper Mate. At Newell, Grimes orchestrated the marketing strategy that made Sharpie markers popular among teenagers, redefining a familiar product’s perception.
Sally Grimes has received industry recognition, including being named among Fast Company’s “Top 100 Most Creative People in Business” and Fortune’s “Most Powerful Women to Watch.” Additionally, she has held positions on various boards, such as Beyond Meat, Inc., Continental Grain Company, and Silver Oak Winery.
She resides in suburban Chicago with her husband, Steve Grimes, who is the CEO of Retail Properties of America. Together, they are proud parents to their daughter Isabel and son Noah.
