Global coffee leader illycaffè announced that Jack Edwards has joined the company as president of North America, effective April 19.
Edwards is a seasoned executive who spent nearly two decades with Diageo, one of the world’s largest producers of spirits and beer.
He most recently was senior vice president of sales and national accounts for the Diageo Beer Co. USA, one of three divisions of Diageo's $6 billion North American business. He led a team of 115 people and distributor network responsible for Guinness and Smirnoff Ice, among other brands.
Separately, illycaffè announced in February it had closed a strategic investment by Rhône Capital, an important step in leading the company into its next phase of international growth, particularly in the U.S.
And early this month it became the first Italian coffee company to obtain B Corp status, underscoring the company's commitment to generating a positive impact on society and the planet.
