Stephen Rust

President of U.S. Spirits, Diageo North America

Stephen Rust

Steve is currently the President, U.S. Spirits for Diageo North America. Prior to his current role, Steve served as the President, Reserve and New Business Commercialization. In his previous role, he also oversaw the company’s relationships with the Nolet family (Ketel One) and the integration of the Casamigos brand. Beyond that, Steve served in a variety of roles within North America, including creating and leading the company’s present Route to Market strategy. Steve has also served as President Reserve, President Diageo Chateau and Estates, and various other senior commercial and strategy roles.

Steve is the executive sponsor for Diageo North America’s Pan-Asian Network (PAN) Business Resource Group, whose mission is to foster a community of employees who are part of or interested in Asian culture to educate, grow and drive business results. He also sits as governing board member of Pronghorn, a business dedicated to cultivating the next generation of Black founders, executive leaders, and entrepreneurs in the Spirits industry.

Steve started his career as owner of a tavern in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1989, Steve joined a Diageo predecessor company in on-trade sales. His career evolved through various commercial roles, including Head of Sales of Diageo’s joint venture with Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessey (Schieffelin and Somerset). Steve remained in the joint venture with his final role leading commercial strategy, including leading distributor consolidation, prior to joining Diageo NA in 2004.

Steve has been married to his wife, Janine, for over 30 years, and has one daughter, Shannon. In his spare time Steve enjoys water sports, golf, and is an amateur car mechanic/restorer.