Diageo has completed what it has described as a “rigorous process” to replace Debra Crew as CEO on a permanent basis, appointing Sir Dave Lewis to take the helm from the start of next year.
The move, announced today (10 November), will see CFO Nik Jhangiani return to his role, having assumed the lead temporarily when Crew left the brand owner by mutual agreement in mid-July. Interim CFO Deirdre Mahlan, who returned to the group three months ago after a 27-year career, will “continue to support Diageo through the transition”.
Lewis (above), who was knighted in 2021 for his contribution to business and the UK food industry, starts with Diageo on 1 January. Aged 60, the UK national made his name at retail multiple Tesco, where he was CEO from 2014 to 2020 after spending 28 years at Unilever.
In its announcement today, Diageo flagged Lewis’ “extensive marketing and brand-building experience”.
“He has an outstanding track record leading global consumer businesses, growing world-class brands, and providing operational and financial rigour,” the company added.
Group chair John Manzoni said: “Having conducted an extensive and thorough global search, the board unanimously felt that Dave has both the extensive CEO experience, and the proven leadership skills in building and marketing world-leading brands, that is right for Diageo at this time.
“We are confident that Dave will work with the team to take Diageo into its next successful chapter in the evolving consumer environment.”
Earlier this month, the group booked a flat sales performance from its most recent quarter, to the end of September. The showing in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, which runs to the end of June, prompted Diageo to forecast a “flat to slightly down” sales performance for the full financial year.
