Diageo, a leading company in the alcohol industry, has appointed Dave Lewis, a seasoned consumer products veteran, as its new CEO. This decision comes as Diageo navigates changing consumer preferences and explores the possibility of selling some of its brands.
Effective January 1, 2026, Lewis will assume the role of Diageo CEO, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his previous positions at Haleon and Tesco. With a background that includes nearly three decades at Unilever and current involvement with PepsiCo, Lewis is well-equipped to lead Diageo into a new era.
This leadership change follows the departure of former CEO Debra Crew, who left amid a slowdown in alcohol sales. The appointment of Lewis signals a new chapter for Diageo, with CFO Nik Jhangiani returning to his role following the transition.
Diageo’s diverse portfolio includes brands like Captain Morgan, Baileys, and Tequila Don Julio. Despite reporting a slight decrease in net sales for the first quarter, the company remains optimistic about its future prospects.
Looking ahead, Diageo is considering potential changes to its brand portfolio to mitigate losses related to tariffs. Lewis is confident in the company’s ability to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the market.
As Diageo prepares for the road ahead, Lewis expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I look forward to working with the team to face these challenges and realize opportunities that create value for our shareholders.”