In a major leadership shake-up, global drinks behemoth Diageo has confirmed the appointment of Sir Dave Lewis, the highly-regarded former chief executive of supermarket giant Tesco, as its new chief executive officer.
A New Captain for a Challenging Voyage
Sir Dave Lewis will officially take the helm at Diageo on 1 January 2026, stepping into a role that has been held on an interim basis by Nik Jhangiani. Following the transition, Mr Jhangiani will return to his primary responsibilities as the company's chief financial officer.
This high-profile recruitment comes at a critical juncture for the maker of Johnnie Walker and Guinness. The company has recently been navigating a period of difficult trading, characterised by a declining share price and softer consumer demand.
Navigating Market Headwinds
Diageo's recent financial warnings have highlighted specific pressures in two of its most crucial markets: China and the United States. The company pointed to weaker demand from consumers in these regions as a significant factor behind its current challenges.
This market sensitivity has put the company's performance under intense scrutiny from investors and analysts, making the appointment of a seasoned leader like Sir Dave a pivotal move for future stability and growth.
The Leadership Transition
To assume this new position, Sir Dave Lewis will be resigning from his role as chairman of the consumer healthcare firm Haleon. His departure from Haleon is scheduled for the end of December 2025, ensuring a clean break before he begins his new duties at Diageo.
His extensive experience in turning around the UK's largest retailer, Tesco, will be heavily relied upon to steer Diageo through its current difficulties and towards a more prosperous future.
