Diageo names Joanne Wilson as new CFO
Wilson will join Diageo’s board and executive committee in 2027 as the drinks group advances its new strategy and prepares for a leadership transition in finance.
IRELAND – Diageo has appointed Joanne Wilson as its new chief financial officer, replacing Nik Jhangiani, with the incoming finance chief expected to join the company’s board and executive committee sometime in 2027.
The Guinness and Johnnie Walker maker said an exact start date has not yet been confirmed. Wilson currently serves as chief financial officer of British media group WPP and will move to Diageo after holding senior financial and commercial positions across consumer and business services companies.
Wilson previously held senior roles at drinks company Britvic, Tesco and customer data science group dunnhumby. She also worked at KPMG, where she qualified as a chartered accountant, and currently serves as a non-executive director of Informa.
Jhangiani joined Diageo from Coca-Cola Europacific Partners in September 2024. He subsequently served as interim chief executive from July to December 2025, overseeing the company’s Accelerate programme, which focused on cash delivery, operational excellence and cost efficiency.
Diageo chief executive Sir Dave Lewis said Jhangiani would remain in his position to support the transition.
“Nik and I have agreed that, now we have shared our new Strategy, this is the right time for this change. Nik will remain in role to ensure a smooth handover to Joanne,” Lewis said.
Lewis described Wilson as a very experienced CFO and commercial leader and said she had delivered transformations at previous companies.
Diageo chairman Sir John Manzoni also thanked Jhangiani for his contribution to the company and welcomed Wilson to the board.
Wilson said Diageo’s portfolio of global brands and strategy presented opportunities for the business.
“Diageo has a unique portfolio of global brands and a clear strategy with significant opportunities ahead,” Wilson said. “I very much look forward to working together with all colleagues to consistently create value for shareholders and strong outcomes for all stakeholders.”
Jhangiani said he was proud of the company’s three-year financial plan, highlighting progress on deleveraging and strengthening its balance sheet.
The CFO transition comes after Diageo reported a 2% decline in sales for the 12 months ended June and unveiled a revised strategy.
The company has outlined a restructuring programme as part of a target to deliver US$1 billion in savings over the next three years.
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