Caesars Entertainment announced the appointment of Rodney Williams to its board of directors, effective Monday.

With a unique perspective derived from a track record of luxury-brandbuilding, strategic and digital marketing, and corporate leadership, Williams will bring a distinct and innovative vision to the board, the company said in a release.

“Rodney is an important addition to the Caesars Entertainment leadership team,” said Gary Carano, executive chairman of the Board. “Rodney’s career leading some of the world’s best-known beverage brands gives him an unmatched perspective in the hospitality industry. His exceptional track record in luxury and premium brand building during his time with Diageo and LVMH and his continued commitment to the food and beverage industry through his service as a trustee and executive committee member of the James Beard Foundation will give us added insights into the continuing confluence of entertainment with the culinary arts as we shepherd Caesars Entertainment into the future.”

Williams recently stepped down as president of the Diageo Beer Company and president of Diageo Canada. In that role, he oversaw Guinness beer, which became the fastest-growing on-premises brand in the U.S. in 2023, and strong growth for Guinness 0 that became the top-selling non-alcoholic beer in Canada.

Caesars said his leadership also delivered unprecedented growth for Don Julio Tequila and Johnnie Walker Scotch in Canada, as well as a powerful national partnership with Bailey’s liqueur and the iconic Tim Horton’s chain.

Prior to joining Diageo in 2022, Williams spent 11 years at Moet Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton. His last role there was as global president of Belvedere Vodka, the first American to become a so-called Maison president at Moet Hennessy.

Previously, Williams served as chief marketing officer for the entire U.S. brand portfolio, ranging from Don Perignon and Krug Champagnes to Glenmorangie Scotch, and before that as senior vice president for Hennessy U.S. Under his leadership, the Hennessy business quadrupled in topline sales and operating profit over a five-year period.

Before joining LVMH, Williams served as senior vice president of lifestyle brands for Jackson Family Wines, where his team delivered the largest new product launch in the company’s history, Kendall Jackson Avant wines.

Previously, Williams had been senior vice president for Lifestyle Wines at Robert Mondavi before and after its acquisition by Constellation Brands. Before joining the wine industry, Williams began his career in brand management at Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, and General Motors.

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