Andrew Cowan

Andrew Cowan is the Managing Director of Diageo Global Travel. Andrew overseas the strategic direction and leads the team who direct Diageo’s well-loved brands into the world of travel retail, across the world’s most famous airports, cruise-liners and more.

Prior to moving to Global Travel Andrew led the African Emerging Markets division of the African region, directing business operations across Ghana, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Indian Ocean, Angola and several other WACA countries. His experience of emerging markets within Africa includes his time as Group Managing Director and CEO at East African Breweries (EABL), overseeing the Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania businesses.

Andrew joined Diageo in May 2008 as General Manager, Diageo Northern Ireland and was appointed to the role of Commercial Director, Diageo Island of Ireland for two years before moving in 2011 to lead the Diageo GB business until his appointment to EABL.

Andrew’s experience straddles corporate leadership, strategy development, operational management as well as sales and marketing. An established business leader, with a wide range of strategic and commercial expertise garnered over 20 years in the FMCG sector.

He specialises in building multi-year consumer-led strategies and has a passion for commercial execution. His previous roles have seen him grow market share across key categories and countries, while also growing employee engagement and developing diverse and high performing leadership teams.