Diageo has announced that former Tesco chief executive Sir Dave Lewis will become its new CEO and executive director, effective January 1, 2026.
Lewis brings extensive leadership experience to the position, having served as Group CEO of Tesco from 2014 to 2020.
Prior to that, he spent three decades at FMCG giant Unilever, where he held senior roles overseeing marketing and business operations.
Sir John Manzoni, Diageo’s chair said: “We are delighted to welcome Dave as Diageo’s new CEO. Having conducted an extensive and thorough global search, the board unanimously felt that 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.”
Manzoni added: “We are confident that Dave will work with the team to take Diageo into its next successful chapter in the evolving consumer environment. The board wishes to recognise and thank Nik Jhangiani for his excellent leadership as Interim CEO and for continuing to drive forward Diageo’s sharpened strategy.”
Lewis added: “Diageo is a world-leading business with a portfolio of very strong brands, and I am delighted to be joining the team. The market faces some headwinds, but there are also significant opportunities. I look forward to working with the team to face these challenges and realise some of the opportunities in a way which creates shareholder value.”
In July, former chief executive Debra Crew stepped down from her role, with Nik Jhangiani stepping in as interim CEO.
The drinks giant has since reported a decline in its first-quarter profits and has lowered its overall growth outlook.