Diageo has brought forward its planned leadership transition, albeit on an interim basis, after incumbent Ivan Menezes suffered surgery complications.
The spirits giant lined up current COO Debra Crew as its next CEO in March as Menezes prepared for his retirement at the end of this month. However, recent hospital treatment for conditions including a stomach ulcer was beset by a “significant setback due to complications” for Menezes over the weekend.
Emergency surgery has subsequently been carried out on the ulcer.
Crew will therefore take the reins as interim CEO with immediate effect.
“Our thoughts are with our much-loved colleague, Ivan, and his family,” Diageo said today. “Out of respect for Ivan and his family’s privacy, we will not be commenting further at this time”.
