Around 150 Irish-based jobs at risk at Guinness maker Diageo

Diageo employs more than 1,200 people in Ireland across brewing, production, marketing, sales and commercial

The new boss of Diageo Dave Lewis has asked executives across the business to cut headcount and other costs as part of a wider restructuring of the drinks company

Around 150 Irish-based jobs are under threat at Guinness maker Diageo, the Irish Examiner understands. 

The drinks giant informed the Government of plans to cut jobs as it enacts cost-saving measures under its new chief executive. 

A spokesperson for the Department of Enterprise confirmed that it received a notification of proposed collective redundancies from Diageo Ireland Unlimited Company on Monday. 

The Department did not confirm how many jobs are set to be impacted by the proposal, with the spokesperson saying any further queries should be directed to the company. 

The company did not confirm how many jobs were at risk, but it is understood to be around 150.

Diageo employs more than 1,200 people in Ireland across brewing, production of liqueurs, marketing, sales, and commercial. In addition to Guinness, the drinks giant also makes Baileys, Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker and Smithwicks. 

Last week, the new boss of Diageo Dave Lewis, nicknamed "Drastic Dave" asked executives across the business to cut headcount and other costs as part of a wider restructuring of the drinks company, which has struggled amid weak sales across its key markets. 

Diageo has previously outlined plans to redesign its operating models to improve competitiveness and deliver sustainable returns. Investors are scheduled to be updated on its progress at the start of August. A Diageo spokesperson said any organisational changes will be communicated to employees first.

In May, Diageo's chief executive, who took up the role in January of this year, said North America remains the drinks giant's "biggest challenge," calling market conditions in the region "soft" with the company's offer needing to be more competitive. 

Net sales in North America fell by almost 10% in the company's latest financial quarter, while sales in US spirits dropped by over 15%. Guinness continues to sell in the region, with Diageo's beer company seeing a more than 9% rise in net sales.