Diageo has announced that Deirdre Mahlan will be stepping down from the role of president Diageo North America and will be succeeded by non-executive director Debra Crew, effective 1 July 2020.
Mahlan will retire on 30 June, after nearly five years in the position. She first joined Diageo in 2001 as part of the North America finance team, rising to become CFO in 2010, before taking on the role of president North America in 2015.
Since April 2019, incoming president Crew has served as non-executive director on the Diageo board but will step down from that role with immediate effect.
Before joining Diageo, Crew served as president and CEO of Reynolds American. She has also previously held roles at Kraft Foods, Nestlé, Mars and Pepsi-Co.
Commenting on the leadership changes, Diageo’s CEO Ivan Menezes said: “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 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.”
Incoming Diageo North America president Crew said: “I am excited to join the Diageo executive team.
“This is a unique opportunity to work for a purpose led company with iconic consumer brands, unparalleled global reach and exciting growth prospects.
“I am looking forward to leading the Diageo North America team to help drive the achievement of our ambition.”
Last month, Diageo completed the relocation of its North America headquarters from Norwalk, Connecticut, to New York City.
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