Former Tesco boss Sir Dave Lewis named Diageo chief executive

Diageo has named former Tesco boss Sir Dave Lewis as its new chief executive.

Lewis will step into the role on 1 January, taking over from interim chief executive Nik Jhangiani.

The Smirnoff and Guinness owner said Lewis is a “proven chief executive with extensive marketing and brand building experience”.

“He has an outstanding track record leading global consumer businesses, growing world-class brands, and providing operational and financial rigour,” added the company.

Lewis spent nearly three decades in executive committee roles at Unilver, before serving at the helm of Tesco between 2014 and 2020.

Additionally, he is the chair of healthcare company Haleon and is a non-executive board director of PepsiCo Inc.

He will be stepping down from the Haleon role on 31 December 2025, announced Diageo.

Diageo’s Chair Sir John Manzoni 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.

“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.”

Commenting on his new role, Lewis said: “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.”

Lewis is also a trustee for The Royal Foundation and the chair of the World Wildlife Fund in the UK.

In recognition of his contribution to business and the food industry in the UK, Lewis was knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in the 2021 New Year’s Honours List.

Jhangiani will continue as interim chief executive until the end of December 2025 and then resume his chief financial officer role thereafter, said Diageo.