Benet Slay will become Diageo's managing director in Northern Europe from July, having been promoted from the same role in Britain.
He will be replaced in the UK by Simon Litherland, currently managing director at Brandhouse South Africa, which is a venture that involves Diageo.

Slay has senior management experience at PepsiCo and began his career at Lever Brothers.

Pernod Ricard has a flurry of appointments. Oxford University graduate Martin Riley is chief marketing officer, joining from Chivas Brothers. His predecessor Jean-Paul Richard has retired.

Riley's position at Chivas Brothers as marketing director is now occupied by Eric Benoist. He has a wealth of experience including a stint as chief executive of Pernod Ricard in Japan.

And Benoist is replaced as marketing director at Martell Mumm Perrier-Jouët by Anne-Claire Rodary. She leaves her role as senior marketing director for Pernod Ricard.

Staying in the same sector, Constellation Europe has appointed John Mills senior vice president of European sales and Peter Spencer managing director of the Gaymer Cider Company.

Anthony and Mark Woodhouse have been announced as the new managing directors of Hall and Woodhouse, following the death of David Woodhouse.

Mark has previously been director and vice chairman at the company, while Anthony has held the position of non-executive director since 2000.

Scottish spirits firm Whyte & Mackay has recruited Nick Garland from Beam Global and he becomes the company's global sales and marketing director.

In the discount sector, Netto has revealed Richard Lancaster's replacement as managing director will be Charles Kay.

Lancaster moved to Morrisons to be become that retailer's senior trading director.

Keith Hogg is now the new business development director at Highland Spring, having worked at Scottish & Newcastle for 24 years.

Hogg is responsible for creating new business opportunities for the bottled water firm and also looks to boost its export base.

The firm said the move "will prove invaluable as we are nudging closer and closer to Evian and the number one brand position".

John Black becomes strategic development director at Highland Spring, having worked at SHS Sales & Marketing.

Over in the convenience sector, Stanley Morris has been recruited by David Sands as a non-executive director.

Morris will work in an advisory capacity on a part-time basis and brings with him knowledge of the sector from Aberness, Somerfield and McLeish Brothers.

"Stanley's considerable experience will help shape our growth strategy," said David Sands.

Elsewhere, independent retail marketing agency Gratterpalm - which includes Asda and Marks & Spencer among its clients - has taken on Darren Hawkins as planning director.

He is charged with improving the company's strategic expertise.

Marielle de Jong has become marketing director at Campina UK and will look to "drive forward" the Yazoo milk drink brand.

Blair Ruelens succeeds Jeremy McNamara as managing director at Information Resources Inc. McNamara has held positions at General Mills and Cadbury Schweppes.

Finally, technology provider Torex has revealed former BT Expedite chief executive Helen Slaven is its new vice president of retail.

She will "play a significant role in the continuing expansion into the retail market, building on existing and new customer relationships".