Caesars Entertainment, Inc. announced the appointment of Rodney Williams to its Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2024, subject to required regulatory approvals and pending licensure. With a unique perspective derived from a track record of luxury brand-building, strategic and digital marketing, and corporate leadership, Williams will bring a distinct and innovative vision to the Caesars Entertainment Board of Directors. Williams recently stepped down as President of the Diageo Beer Company and President of Diageo Canada, leaving a legacy of success.

In that role, he oversaw new momentum for Guinness beer, with the brand becoming the fast-growing on-premise brand in the United States in 2023 and strong growth for Guinness 0, which made great strides in the US and became the top-selling non-alcoholic beer in Canada. His leadership also delivered unprecedented growth on 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 Maison (or global) President of Belvedere Vodka ? the first American to become a Maison president at Moet Hennessy. Previously, Williams served as Chief Marketing Officer for the entire US brand portfolio, ranging from Don Perignon and Krug Champagnes to Glenmorangie Scotch, and before that as SVP for Hennessy US.

Under his leadership, the Hennessy business quadrupled in topline sales and operating profit over a five-year period. Before joining LVMH, Williams served as SVP 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 SVP 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. In addition to being a trustee of the James Beard Foundation, Williams serves on the Executive Leadership Council, is a director of the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures, and was a 2024 juror for the Cannes Lions marketing awards. He also advises three startups: Zitti, Qonsent, and CKBG.

Williams has an MBA in finance and marketing from the Kellogg School, Northwestern University, and a bachelor?s degree in political science from Amherst College. With the addition of Williams, Caesars Entertainment?s Board of Directors will grow to 11 members.