Diageo has announced that its CEO and Board Director Debra Crew has stepped down with immediate effect and by mutual consent.
Crew has led Diageo as Chief Executive Officer since June 2023, having joined Diageo as a non-executive director in 2019, then serving as President of Diageo North America and subsequently as Group Chief Operating Officer.
John Manzoni, Chair, Diageo plc, said: “On behalf of Diageo and the board, I would like to thank Debra for her contributions to Diageo, including steering the company through the challenging aftermath of the global pandemic and the ensuing geopolitical and macroeconomic volatility.
“On behalf of all Diageo colleagues, I wish her every success in the future. The Board’s focus is on securing the best candidate to lead Diageo and take the company forward. We strongly believe Diageo is well placed to deliver long-term, sustainable value creation.”
Diageo said its Board has begun its search for a new CEO and that the search will include both internal and external candidates. Until a permanent appointment is made, Nik Jhangiani, Chief Financial Officer, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer on an interim basis.
The drinks giant said its guidance for financial years 2025 and 2026 remains unchanged and that it will report its FY25 full year results on 5 August as planned.