Caesars Entertainment, Inc. has announced the appointment of Rodney Williams to its Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals and licensure. Williams brings extensive experience in luxury brand-building, strategic marketing, and corporate leadership to the Board.
Williams recently served as President of the Diageo Beer Company and Diageo Canada, where he spearheaded significant growth initiatives. Under his leadership, Guinness beer became the fastest-growing on-premise brand in the U.S. in 2023, and Guinness 0 achieved top-selling status in the non-alcoholic beer segment in Canada. His tenure also saw substantial growth for Don Julio Tequila and Johnnie Walker Scotch in Canada, as well as a notable national partnership between Bailey’s liqueur and Tim Hortons.
Prior to his time at Diageo, Williams spent 11 years at Moet Hennessy, part of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, culminating in his role as Maison President of Belvedere Vodka. He was the first American to hold this position. Williams also served as Chief Marketing Officer for the U.S. brand portfolio, overseeing brands like Dom Perignon and Krug Champagnes. During his tenure as SVP for Hennessy US, the business saw a fourfold increase in sales and operating profit over five years.
Williams’ career also includes roles as SVP of Lifestyle Brands at Jackson Family Wines and Robert Mondavi, where he led the launch of Kendall Jackson Avant wines. His early career included brand management positions at Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, and General Motors.
In addition to his professional roles, Williams is a trustee of the James Beard Foundation, a member of the Executive Leadership Council, a director of the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures, and a 2024 juror for the Cannes Lions marketing awards. He was named one of the “Most Influential Black Corporate Leaders” by Savoy magazine in 2024 and advises startups including Zitti, Qonsent, and CKBG.
Williams holds an MBA in finance and marketing from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Amherst College.
With Williams’ appointment, the Caesars Entertainment Board of Directors will expand to 11 members, reinforcing the company’s commitment to strategic growth and industry leadership.
“Rodney is an important addition to the Caesars Entertainment leadership team,” said Gary Carano, Executive Chairman of the Board, Caesars Entertainment. “Rodney’s career leading some of the world’s best-known beverage brands gives him 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.”
“I’m pleased to have Rodney Williams join our Board of Directors,” said Tom Reeg, CEO of Caesars Entertainment. “Rodney brings a different perspective to hospitality, having experienced it from the upper echelon of luxury beverage brands. His experience in innovation, digital and experiential marketing, and implementing optimization makes him a good strategic fit for our Board of Directors. I look forward to working with him to continue to drive results for our guests, Team Members, and shareholders.”
