Background on Diageo and the New CFO Interim
Diageo, a leading British spirits company, has named Deirdre Mahlan as the new interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) following Nik Jhangiani’s appointment as interim CEO on July 16, after Debra Crew’s resignation.
Deirdre Mahlan’s Previous Roles
Mahlan will assume her new role starting August 18, having previously held corporate responsibilities within Diageo, including serving on the company’s board. She was Diageo’s CFO from 2010 to 2015, demonstrating her extensive experience in the spirits industry.
Mahlan’s Career Progression
After her tenure as CFO, Mahlan served as interim president, executive director, and president of The Duckhorn Portfolio before its sale to Butterfly Equity.
Nik Jhangiani’s Role and Mahlan’s Appointment
Nik Jhangiani, now interim CEO, praised Mahlan’s appointment, stating: “Deirdre brings extensive spirits industry experience and functional expertise to the interim CFO role, complemented by a deep understanding of Diageo and its operations.”
“I am delighted that she has agreed to return in an interim capacity, and I have full confidence that she will provide invaluable guidance to our teams and collaborate with me on executing our ‘Accelerate’ program to drive sustainable long-term growth.”
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Deirdre Mahlan? Deirdre Mahlan is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in the spirits industry. She previously served as Diageo’s CFO from 2010 to 2015 and held various leadership roles, including interim president and executive director at The Duckhorn Portfolio.
- Why was Mahlan appointed as interim CFO? Mahlan was chosen for her deep understanding of Diageo and its operations, as well as her extensive experience in the spirits industry. Her appointment aims to support Nik Jhangiani, the interim CEO, in driving sustainable long-term growth through the ‘Accelerate’ program.
- What is the ‘Accelerate’ program? The ‘Accelerate’ program is a strategic initiative by Diageo to drive sustainable long-term growth. It focuses on enhancing operational efficiency, accelerating digital transformation, and fostering a culture of innovation.
