Diageo plc has appointed Sir Dave Lewis as CEO, effective January 1, 2026. Lewis brings extensive marketing and brand-building experience, having led Tesco and held roles at Unilever. He succeeds Nik Jhangiani, who will resume as CFO. Lewis aims to drive growth and create shareholder value.
Diageo plc has appointed Sir Dave Lewis as its new Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, effective January 1, 2026. Lewis, a seasoned CEO with extensive marketing and brand-building experience, brings a proven track record of leading global consumer businesses and growing world-class brands.
Lewis’s appointment marks the culmination of a rigorous global search process, which considered both internal and external candidates. Diageo’s Chair, Sir John Manzoni, praised Lewis’s leadership skills and experience, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Dave as Diageo’s new CEO. He has the extensive CEO experience and proven leadership skills in building and marketing world-leading brands, that is right for Diageo at this time.”
Lewis, 60, joins Diageo from Haleon Plc, where he has been Chair since 2022. Prior to his role at Haleon, he served as Group CEO of Tesco plc from 2014 to 2020, transforming the business and leading its growth. Lewis spent nearly three decades at Unilever, holding various executive roles, including leadership positions in marketing and business performance.
Lewis’s remuneration package includes an annual salary of GBP 1,500,000 and a pension contribution of 14% of base salary. He will also participate in Diageo’s annual incentive plan, bonus deferral, and long-term incentive plan, subject to shareholder approval.
Nik Jhangiani, who has served as Interim CEO since July, will continue in the role until December 31, 2025, and then resume his position as Chief Financial Officer. Deirdre Mahlan, Interim CFO, will support the company through the transition.
Lewis expressed his enthusiasm for joining Diageo, stating, “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 realize some of the opportunities in a way that creates shareholder value.”
