The board has begun a comprehensive formal search process, which will include consideration of internal and external candidates
Diageo has informed that Debra Crew has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and as a Board Director with immediate effect, by mutual agreement. The company stated that until a permanent appointment is made, Nik Jhangiani, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), will assume the role of CEO on an interim basis.
The board has begun a comprehensive formal search process, which will include consideration of internal and external candidates. Crew has led Diageo as CEO 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 COO.
“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,” highlighted John Manzoni, Chair, Diageo plc.
Manzoni added that he board’s focus is on securing the best candidate to lead Diageo and take the company forward. The company emphasised that guidance for fiscal 25 and 26 remains unchanged from what was shared on 19th May 2025 in the third quarter trading statement, and Diageo will report its fiscal 2025 full year results on 5th August as planned.
