Stephen Rust in

Stephen Rust

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President, U.S. Spirits at Diageo
📍 New York City Metropolitan Area, United States

Stephen Rust is the President of U. S. Spirits at Diageo, where he has worked for over three decades. An award-winning leader, named "Industry Executive of the Year" for 2025 by Market Watch, he is known for his expertise in luxury brand growth and innovative route-to-market strategies for iconic brands.

Outside of work, Stephen is a family man who enjoys golf, water sports, and working as an amateur car mechanic and restorer. He is actively involved in fostering the next generation of industry leaders, serving on the board of Pronghorn to support Black entrepreneurs in the spirits industry.

He began his extensive career in the beverage alcohol industry as the owner of a tavern in Atlanta.

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Experience
38 Years
Current Role
President, U.S. Spirits
Location
New York City Metropolitan Area, United States
Personality Overview

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Communication Style
Decision Approach
Work Preference

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Priorities

Topics Stephen cares about

Luxury Spirits Strategy
Oversees an expansive spirits portfolio, including iconic luxury brands like Crown Royal, Johnnie Walker, and Don Julio, with a history of leading Diageo's high-end 'Reserve' business.
Diversity in Spirits
Serves as a governing board member for Pronghorn, an organization focused on cultivating Black leaders in the spirits industry, and sponsors Diageo's Pan-Asian Network.
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Career

Work history

5-2024
President, U.S. Spirits
Diageo
5-2021
Governing Board Member
Pronghorn
2-2016 - 4-2024
President Reserve and New Business Commercialization
Diageo
2014 - 2016
President Reserve and Wines
Diageo
1-2013
Advisory Board
Distill Ventures
In the press

Media appearances

Stephen Rust | President of U.S. Spirits, Diageo North America. Featured in Diageo
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News Alert: Diageo Names Stephen Rust President, US Spirits. Featured in Shanken News Daily
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Education

Stephen has no verified education history

Social presence
in
Behavioral profile

DISC profile (public)

DISC behavioral profile

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