Meet Tanya Clarke – The Powerhouse Behind Luxury Spirits At Diageo

Tanya Clarke’s role entails leading a business unit that is focused on accelerating growth of the Diageo luxury spirits portfolio across key cities and resorts in Europe. 

Ahead of our next Image Networking Breakfast: Making It Happen! at The Marker Hotel on Friday, February 2nd, Tanya Clarke; General Manager of Reserve brands with Diageo Europe shares what it takes to stay productive on decision-making, dealing with change and her aspirations for the year ahead. 

How would you describe your job?

Diageo Reserve is a portfolio of the world’s finest spirits which includes: Ketel One vodka, Cîroc vodka, Ron Zacapa rum, Tanqueray No. TEN gin, Bulleit Bourbon, Don Julio Tequila, Johnnie Walker Gold Label and Blue Label whisky and malt whiskies, Cardhu, Singleton and Talisker. The newest addition to the portfolio is Roe & Co premium blended Irish whiskey, which we introduced to the market last year. I lead a team of commercial and activation specialists who are focused on accelerating the growth of our luxury spirits portfolio in the leading cocktail bars, clubs, restaurants and specialist stores in key cities and resorts across Europe.

Having worked away for a number of years, did you find it easy or hard to adapt back to life in Dublin?

I am still adapting! I just moved back five months ago. I love Dublin and how it is changing and am looking forward to experiencing all of the new bars, restaurants etc. There is a great energy right now in Dublin. A move always takes a lot of you – it can be stressful, but give it a few more weeks and I have no doubt that I’ll be settled back!  

Intuition allows you to get the first warning signs when anything is off in your body so that you can address it, do you follow your gut instinct in decision-making?

We all are making so many decisions every day. I think you have to trust your intuition and your own judgement. I am really decisive and quite an independent thinker, so the opportunity for me is to involve others more and to reach out to get more perspectives. Very few decisions are black and white and it can be inspiring to get other people’s points of view. 

How do you personally handle change?

I favour and seek out change over a more rigid routine. I like to plan ahead but am also very happy for things to turn out differently to how I first imagined. Changing everything at once, however, is when it becomes difficult – thus the country/career/family/school/house change all at once is a bit of an ordeal! Being open to change and focusing on being positive and energised about future possibilities is key. 

What is your main goal for 2018 in relation to your work?

I would like to be a better person in 2018 on all fronts! Including being more inspirational and more supportive of my team, colleagues and partners. I would like to build awareness of many of our cool brands. We have great people and founders behind them, such as Ketel one vodka, Tanqueray TEN gin, Bulleit Bourbon and Roe & Co whiskey. I know once people hear their stories and taste the liquids, that they will become firm favourites!

Hear Tanya and fellow panelists, Interior Designer & Entrepreneur – Helen Turkington and Leanne Rose O’Morain – Career Psychologist, talk about ‘Making Your Mark!’ at our Networking Breakfast, Friday, February 2. 

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