Global beverage leader Diageo plc has announced a leadership transition as Debra Crew steps down from her role as Chief Executive Officer and Board Director, effective immediately. The decision, reached by mutual agreement, marks the beginning of a formal search process for her successor.
In the interim, Nik Jhangiani, the company’s Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed Acting CEO, ensuring continuity of leadership while the board conducts a comprehensive search that will include both internal and external candidates.
Debra Crew assumed the role of CEO in June 2023, following a progression through key leadership roles including President of Diageo North America and Group Chief Operating Officer. She initially joined Diageo’s board as a non-executive director in 2019.
Despite the leadership change, Diageo confirmed that its financial guidance for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 remains unchanged, as outlined in its Q3 Trading Statement released on May 19, 2025. The company is on track to publish its full-year fiscal 2025 results on August 5.
John Manzoni, Chair of the Board at Diageo, expressed appreciation for Crew’s leadership:
“On behalf of the Board and the entire Diageo team, I extend our gratitude to Debra for her service, particularly in steering the company through the post-pandemic recovery and ongoing global volatility. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”
He added that the Board remains committed to appointing a strong, visionary leader who will continue to drive long-term, sustainable value creation for shareholders and stakeholders.
The announcement was released by Randall Ingber, General Counsel & Company Secretary of Diageo.
