24th Mar 2020 12:58
(Alliance News) - Drinks giant Diageo PLC on Tuesday announced the departure of the president of its North American operations Deirdre Mahlan.
Mahlan joined Diageo in 2001, joining the North America finance team. She became chief financial officer of the entire firm in 2010, before taking on the position of president of North America in 2015.
She is being replaced by Debra Crew, effective from the start of July. Crew is currently a non-executive director on Diageo's board but will leave that role effective immediately.
Crew is the former chief executive of tobacco giant Reynolds American Inc, which is now part of British American Tobacco PLC. She has also worked at PepsiCo Inc, Nestle SA, and Mars Inc.
Ivan Menezes, Diageo's CEO, commented: "Diageo North America is a strong business that has been very ably led by Deirdre since 2015. While we are sad to be losing Deirdre, I know that she leaves a great legacy in the North America business and across Diageo. I am very grateful for her exceptional contribution over many years at Diageo and wish her the very best for her retirement.
"I am delighted that Debra has agreed to join us in an executive position to lead the next stage of growth in North America. Debra's extensive experience in consumer businesses will serve Diageo and North America well as we continue to progress on our ambition to become one of the most trusted and respected consumer products companies in the world."
Shares in the FTSE 100 firm were 2.3% higher on Tuesday afternoon in London at 2,265.50 pence each.
By George Collard; [email protected]
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