A conversation with HR leader Davis Aguilar on Diageo’s shift toward simplicity, agility, and world-class HR excellence.

In this episode, Davis Aguilar—Global Head of HR Operations at Diageo, the global spirits company behind brands like Guinness, Johnnie Walker, Baileys, and Captain Morgan—shares how the organisation is transforming HR through operational excellence, cultural alignment, and smarter technology. He discusses the shift toward simplified workflows using ServiceNow and Workday, the importance of leadership sponsorship, and why cultural readiness is crucial when delivering change across 29,000 employees in 67 markets.

Davis also explores the realities of transformation on the ground, from unexpected digital adoption among remote field workers in Mexico to the evolving needs of a diverse, multi-generational workforce. He reflects on Diageo’s cautious but intentional approach to generative AI, the enduring relevance of human skills, and the company’s ambition to create an internal experience as strong as its world-famous brands.