Diageo has announced the appointment of Debra Crew as interim CEO with immediate effect.
Former CEO Sir Ivan Menezes announced his intention to step down on 30 June earlier this year, with Crew taking over as his replacement and joining the board as executive director on 1 July.
Crew will be appointed interim CEO ahead of her appointment as CEO, as Menezes is currently in hospitality receiving treatment for medical conditions including a stomach ulcer.
In an announcement, Diageo said: “Over the weekend, we learned that Ivan’s recovery suffered a significant setback due to complications, which followed emergency surgery on the ulcer.
“As a result of these developments, the Board of Directors has appointed Debra Crew Interim Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect, ahead of her appointment as Chief Executive Officer and joining the Board as an executive director on 1 July 2023. As previously announced, Ivan will retire from the Board on 30 June 2023.
“Our thoughts are with our much-loved colleague, Ivan, and his family.
“Out of respect for Ivan and his family’s privacy, we will not be commenting further at this time.”
