Sean “Diddy” Combs, Chairman and CEO of Combs Enterprises, one of the world’s leading entertainment companies, (on May 15, 2017) announced the promotion of Dia Simms to President of Combs Enterprises. In her new role, Simms will oversee business activities across the companies and investments built and cultivated by Mr. Combs. She will work directly with Mr. Combs to ensure that Combs Enterprises exceeds its financial and operational goals, as well as continuing to grow and expand globally and fulfill its broader strategic vision. Simms will also lead efforts across Combs Enterprises to identify and pursue strategic investments that expand the reach and influence that Mr. Combs has on entertainment, media, fashion, spirits, culture and other sectors. Under her new leadership, Combs Wines & Spirits will fold into Combs Enterprises as she oversees both ventures.
States Sean Combs, “There is nobody better equipped to run Combs Enterprises and lead us into the future. Dia’s passion, ambition, hard work and commitment to excellence have produced an unparalleled record of success. She has created and grown countless businesses and inspired those around her to excel. Not only am I confident she will succeed in her new role, I am excited about everything Combs Enterprises will accomplish under her leadership.”
“Working my way up through the ranks at this company over the past 12 years, I could have never imagined the amount of support, trust and confidence that Sean and everyone on the team have shown,” says Simms. “Being a woman, and the first person to assume this role within the company, I am incredibly honored to be able to carry on the ‘Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop’ torch.”
“Working my way up through the ranks at this company over the past 12 years, I could have never imagined the amount of support, trust and confidence that Sean and everyone on the team have shown,” says Simms. “Being a woman, and the first person to assume this role within the company, I am incredibly honored to be able to carry on the ‘Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop’ torch.”
Simms has worked with Mr. Combs since 2005, putting her relentless commitment to excellence and her unparalleled skills as a creative strategist and marketer to work in a variety of roles. Her rise through the ranks began during her first role with the company as an assistant, where she made her way to the Chief of Staff and then general manager of advertising and marketing firm, The Blue Flame Agency. Simms then took on the role of Executive Vice President of Combs Wine & Spirits, and was promoted shortly thereafter to President of Combs Wines & Spirits, where she led the strategic execution of all Cîroc Ultra Premium Vodka, DeLeon Tequila and spirits innovation projects for the company. During her tenure, Simms was a key player in the acquisition of DeLeon Tequila and the brand’s relaunch and an integral part of Cîroc Ultra Premium Vodka’s 1000% growth, in which it moved from virtual obscurity to one of the most recognized vodka brands on the globe. Under her purview, the beverage brands won several awards, including Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Market Watch’s ‘Spirit Brand of the Year,’ the coveted Diageo Golden Bar for ‘Best Spirits Advertising’ and Diageo’s Global Marketing Brilliance Award for ‘Best Synergy 360’. They were also recognized by the Pro Awards in 2014 for ‘Best Cause-Based Campaign’ and ‘Best Campaign that Uses a Holiday Theme.’
Simms was recognized by The Network Journal in their ’40 Under Forty Class of 2010,’ and in 2011 was an honoree at the United Way of New York City’s ‘Power of Women Luncheon,’ and was named ‘Leader of the New School’ by Essence Magazine that same year. In 2014, she won the Bronze Stevie ‘Maverick of the Year Award’ at the International Business Awards, honoring excellence in Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations and Business Services.
Simms is a highly-respected leader who also on the board of THREAD Organization that provides underprivileged high-school students resources to help foster their academic advancement and personal growth. She is also on the board of BINKABLE, a mobile app that enables people to connect with the best creative talent on the market.
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