18-07-2025
Who Is Indian-Origin Nik Jhangiani? Diageo's Interim CEO After Debra Crew's Exit
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Debra Crew stepped down as Diageo CEO, with CFO Nik Jhangiani named interim CEO.
Diageo announced on Thursday that Debra Crew has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer and as a Board Director with immediate effect, by mutual agreement. Until a permanent appointment is made, Nik Jhangiani, Chief Financial Officer, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer on an interim basis.
Meanwhile, The Board has begun a comprehensive formal search process, which will include consideration of internal and external candidates.
Who Is Nik Jhangiani?
The Indian-origin Nik Jhangiani is a veteran in global finance having a rich experience working with global companies spanning form beverages and telecom sectors.
He was appointed CFO of Diageo plc, the world's largest spirits company known for brands like Johnnie Walker whisky and Guinness beer, in September 2024
Before Diageo, he served as Senior Vice President and CFO at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners for over eight years. His earlier stints include:
He also served as Group CFO for Bharti Airtel between 2009-2012.
Group CFO at Coca-Cola HBC (2000–2009)
Multiple senior finance roles at Coca-Cola Enterprises and Coca-Cola European Partners
As interim CEO, Jhangiani is tasked with steering Diageo through a challenging period marked by a 20% share price decline, cooling demand in key markets, and a $500 million cost-cutting initiative.
Nik holds a degree in Economics and Accounting from Rutgers Business School (Class of 1988). His academic foundation, coupled with over 25 years of financial leadership, positions him as a capable interim leader during Diageo's transition phase.
About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and is a global company, and our products are sold in nearly 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO).
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