Diageo Appoints Sir John Manzoni as New Chair

TL;DR

Diageo's Chair Javier Ferrán is stepping down Sept 1, replaced by Sir John Manzoni.

AI Summary

Diageo plc announced on March 19, 2024, that Sir John Manzoni will be appointed as the new Chair of the Board, succeeding Javier Ferrán. The appointment is effective from September 1, 2024, with Ferrán stepping down after nine years in the role.

Why It Matters

This leadership change at the top of a major global spirits company could signal shifts in strategic direction or operational focus.

Risk Assessment

Risk Level: low — This is an announcement of a routine leadership transition within the company.

Key Players & Entities

• Diageo plc (company) — The company making the announcement.
• Sir John Manzoni (person) — Appointed as the new Chair of the Board.
• Javier Ferrán (person) — Outgoing Chair of the Board.
• September 1, 2024 (date) — Effective date of the new Chair's appointment.

FAQ

Filing Documents

• a3208h.htm (6-K) — 31KB
• 0001654954-24-003331.txt ( ) — 33KB

From the Filing

TO APPOINT SIR JOHN MANZONI AS CHAIR a3208h UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, DC 20549   FORM 6-K   REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934   19 March 2024   Commission File Number:   001-10691   DIAGEO plc ( Translation of registrant’s name into English )     16 Great Marlborough Street, London, United Kingdom, W1F 7HS   ( Address of principal executive offices )   Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.   Form 20-F   X                                                                  Form 40-F           Diageo plc   LEI: 213800ZVIELEA55JMJ32   Diageo to appoint Sir John Manzoni as Chair   ● Javier Ferrán to retire in February 2025 in his ninth year on the Diageo Board   19 March 2024, London, UK:   Diageo today announces that current non-executive director Sir John Manzoni will be appointed Chair of the Board on or around 5 February 2025 when current Chair Javier Ferrán retires from the Board.   Sir John Manzoni joined the Diageo Board in October 2020, having been Chief Executive of the UK Civil Service from 2014 to 2020. He is currently Chair of FTSE-listed multinational energy business SSE plc and a non-executive director of engineering and technology business KBR, Inc. He was previously a non-executive director of the multinational drinks company SAB Miller plc for 11 years from 2004 to 2015.  Earlier in his career John served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Talisman Energy, and held a number of senior executive roles at BP plc.    Javier Ferrán joined the Diageo Board in July 2016 and was appointed Chair on 1 January 2017.   Susan Kilsby, Diageo's senior independent director who led the appointment process, said:   "On behalf of the entire Board, I want to express our gratitude to Javier. He has led our Board with great distinction, helping us to attain new levels of commercial success and to strengthen our position as one of the most trusted and respected consumer products companies in the world. We are proud of the progress Diageo has made under his stewardship, achieving average annual total shareholder returns of 8% over the last decade, and driving diversity throughout our organisation, with over 70% of the Board and 44% of our senior leadership now comprised of women.   "The Board is delighted to appoint John as Diageo's next Chair, following an extensive search process. John has an outstanding track record of leadership within beverage alcohol and across a number of other complex and fast-changing sectors in the UK and globally. His experience and expertise will be instrumental as Diageo continues to develop and grow its global business in the years ahead."   Javier Ferrán said:   "It has been a true privilege to lead Diageo's Board during a period in which we have achieved significant growth, reshaped our portfolio and geographic footprint, and navigated widespread global volatility. I look forward to working with John, the Board and all my Diageo colleagues to ensure a smooth transition over the coming months."   Sir John Manzoni said:   "It will be a privilege to take on this role and to succeed Javier, whose leadership and acumen have been so valuable to our business and to Board colleagues.   "Since joining the Board, I have been continually impressed by the growth potential of the organisation, the quality of our brands, and the dedication and high standards of Diageo colleagues around the world. Diageo has an unrivalled portfolio, a global footprint and world-leading capabilities, and I look forward to supporting the executive team to ensure that we deliver on our potential."   Debra Crew, Chief Executive, said:   "Javier has been an invaluable source of strategic counsel and advice for me and our wider leadership team, and I want to thank him personally for the role he has played in stewarding the business so successfully.   "With a strong focus on execution, we will continue to invest behind our iconic brands to create value for shareholders and maintain our position as an industry leader in total beverage alcohol, an attractive sector with a long runway for growth. I look forward to working with John as Chair and the rest of the Board to achiev

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