Guinness owner Diageo names next CEO to revive growth

Diageo Names Dave Lewis as Next CEO Amid Strategic Shakeup

Diageo, the global beverage giant behind brands like Guinness and Johnnie Walker, has named seasoned consumer products executive Dave Lewis as its next CEO. The leadership change comes as the company navigates evolving consumer alcohol preferences and weighs potential brand sell-offs to adapt to shifting market dynamics.

Lewis will officially assume the roles of CEO and executive director on January 1, 2026. He joins Diageo after most recently serving as chair of pharmaceutical company Haleon, founded in 2022. Prior to his tenure at Haleon, Lewis was Group CEO at British supermarket leader Tesco.

A Veteran in Consumer Products

Lewis brings nearly three decades of industry expertise from his time at Unilever, where he held key positions in both marketing and business operations, including roles as president of the Americas and global president for personal care. He also currently serves as a non-executive board director at PepsiCo, further cementing his credentials in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector.

Leadership Transition

The appointment follows a months-long search triggered by the departure of former CEO Debra Crew in July. Crew exited as part of a mutual agreement with Diageo amid slowing alcohol sales. Since then, Chief Financial Officer Nik Jhangiani has filled the CEO role on an interim basis and will return to his original position once Lewis steps in.

“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,” said Diageo Chair John Manzoni in an official statement.

Financial and Strategic Outlook

Diageo, which also owns Captain Morgan, Baileys, and Tequila Don Julio, reported $4.9 billion in net sales during its first quarter—a 2% decrease compared to the previous year. The company now anticipates a weaker U.S. consumer environment than initially forecasted for its current fiscal year.

In addition to facing market challenges, Diageo announced in May that it was considering “substantial changes” to its brand portfolio as it prepared for $150 million in losses related to tariffs. According to the company, these changes would go beyond the “usual smaller brand disposals” undertaken over the past three years. However, during its most recent earnings call, Diageo did not offer an update on these potential sell-offs.

Looking Ahead

Despite ongoing headwinds in the alcohol market, Lewis expressed optimism about the company’s future. “Though the alcohol market is facing headwinds, I see significant opportunity,” he stated.

With Lewis at the helm, Diageo looks set to enter a new era as it repositions itself to meet changing consumer demands and a challenging economic environment.
https://www.fooddive.com/news/diageo-ceo-dave-lewis-guinness-johnnie-walker/805138/

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