Johnnie Walker and Guinness giant Diageo announced on Wednesday that Debra Crew has stepped down as its chief executive officer and as a board Director after two years “with immediate effect, by mutual agreement.”
“The board has begun a comprehensive formal search process, which will include consideration of internal and external candidates,” said Diageo.
“Until a permanent appointment is made, Nik Jhangiani, Chief Financial Officer, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer on an interim basis.
“Debra Crew has led Diageo as Chief Executive Officer since June 2023, having joined Diageo as a non-executive director in 2019, then serving as President of Diageo North America and subsequently as Group Chief Operating Officer.
“Guidance for fiscal 25 and 26 remains unchanged from what was shared on 19th May 2025 in the Q3 Trading Statement, and Diageo will report its fiscal 2025 full year results on 5th August as planned.”
Diageo CEO Debra Crew
Diageo’s other brands include Crown Royal, J&B and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.
Diageo chair John Manzoni said: “On behalf of Diageo and the board, I would like to thank Debra for her contributions to Diageo, including steering the company through the challenging aftermath of the global pandemic and the ensuing geopolitical and macroeconomic volatility.
“On behalf of all Diageo colleagues, I wish her every success in the future. The Board’s focus is on securing the best candidate to lead Diageo and take the company forward. We strongly believe Diageo is well placed to deliver long-term, sustainable value creation.”