The board of directors at Diageo has announced that Sir David Lewis will assume the role of chief executive officer and executive director starting 1 January 2026.
He succeeds Debra Crew, who stepped down as CEO and board director in July 2025 by “mutual agreement.”
Nik Jhangiani, currently serving as interim CEO, will maintain his leadership role until the end of December 2025 before returning to his position as CFO.
Diageo emphasized that Lewis brings extensive marketing and brand-building expertise, showcasing an “outstanding track record leading global consumer businesses, growing world-class brands, and providing operational and financial rigour.”
Previously, Lewis served as group CEO of Tesco from 2014 to 2020, earning recognition for transforming the business. His career at Unilever spanned nearly three decades, where he held executive roles focused on marketing and business performance.
Since its establishment in 2022, he has chaired Haleon, a global leader in consumer healthcare. Additionally, he is a non-executive board director at PepsiCo, from which he will step down on 31 December 2025.
Sir John Manzoni, chair of Diageo, remarked: “We are delighted to welcome Dave [Lewis] as Diageo’s new CEO. After a comprehensive global search, the board unanimously concluded that Dave possesses the extensive CEO experience and the proven leadership skills necessary to build and market world-leading brands, making him the ideal fit for Diageo at this juncture.”
Furthermore, he added: “We are confident that Dave will collaborate with the team to lead Diageo into its next successful chapter within an evolving consumer landscape. The board wishes to acknowledge and thank Nik Jhangiani for his exemplary leadership as interim CEO and for propelling Diageo’s sharpened strategy forward.”
Reflecting on his new position, Lewis stated: “Diageo is a world-leading business with a robust portfolio of strong brands, and I am thrilled to be joining the team. While the market presents challenges, it also offers significant opportunities. I eagerly anticipate working alongside the team to navigate these obstacles and capitalize on opportunities to create shareholder value.”
Additionally, Lewis serves as a trustee for The Royal Foundation and chairs the World Wildlife Fund in the UK. Notably, he was knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in the 2021 New Year’s Honours List.
