John Rishton appointed Non-Executive Director at Diageo effective Nov 1, 2025

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Diageo plc announced the appointment of John Rishton as a Non-Executive Director effective 1 November 2025. Mr. Rishton brings over 40 years of business experience including nearly 14 years as a chief executive or chief financial officer and senior roles at Rolls-Royce, Royal Ahold, British Airways and Ford. He currently chairs Informa plc and Serco Group PLC, from which he will retire on 31 December 2025. On appointment he will join Diageo's Audit and Nomination Committees. The announcement confirms no further Listing Rule disclosures are required.

Insights

Corporate Governance Expert

TL;DR: Diageo added a seasoned leader with deep finance and CEO experience to strengthen board oversight.

John Rishton's combination of executive and non-executive roles provides Diageo with high-level experience in finance, operations and consumer/retail sectors. His background as CFO and CEO at large, listed companies suggests he can contribute meaningfully to audit oversight and succession planning on the Nomination Committee. The planned retirement from Serco clarifies time commitments. This is a routine, governance-strengthening appointment rather than a transformational change.

Financial Analyst

TL;DR: Board appointment is governance-positive but not materially financial; no earnings or transaction impact disclosed.

While Mr. Rishton's experience may improve oversight and strategic input, the filing contains no financial metrics, guidance or transactions that would directly affect valuations. Investors should view this as a stabilizing governance move rather than a material operational event.

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

16 September 2025

Commission File Number:  001-10691

DIAGEO plc

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

16 Great Marlborough Street, London, United Kingdom, W1F 7HS  

(Address of principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F   X                                                                  Form 40-F  

Diageo plc

LEI: 213800ZVIELEA55JMJ32

16 September 2025

Diageo announces appointment to its Board of Directors

Diageo announces the appointment of John Rishton as a Non-Executive Director, effective 1 November 2025.

John has over 40 years' business experience in a variety of roles, companies and industries, including nearly 14 years as a Chief Executive or Chief Financial Officer. He is currently chair of Informa plc, as well as serving as chair of Serco Group PLC, from which he will retire on 31 December 2025.

His executive roles include Chief Executive of Rolls Royce Group plc from 2011 to 2015 and Chief Financial Officer and then Chief Executive and President of Royal Ahold NV, the Dutch multinational supermarket group, from 2006 to 2011. John was also Chief Financial Officer of British Airways plc from 2001 to 2005, having previously held a number of finance, commercial and operational roles at British Airways in the US and UK, having joined in 1994. Prior to joining British Airways, John held various finance roles at Ford Motor Company in the UK, Spain and Portugal.

John has extensive experience in non-executive roles, including at Unilever, Associated British Ports, Allied Domecq, Majid Al Futtaim and ICA Gruppen.

On appointment, John will also join the Board's Audit and Nomination Committees.

Diageo Chair, Sir John Manzoni, said:

"I am delighted with John's appointment to the Diageo Board. John is a highly regarded business leader with extensive experience in a wide variety of industries, including in consumer and retail businesses, and a track record of creating sustainable, long-term value for stakeholders.

"I look forward to working with him in positioning Diageo for sustainable growth, maximising the opportunities to strengthen the business and deliver stronger shareholder returns on a sustained basis."

In accordance with Listing Rule 9.6.15, Diageo confirms that there are no further details to be disclosed  pursuant to Listing Rule 9.6.13.

ENDS

For further information please contact: Media relations:
Brendan O'Grady	+44 (0) 7812 183 750
Rebecca Perry	+44 (0) 7590 809 101
Clare Cavana	+44 (0) 7751 742 072
press@diageo.com
Investor relations:
Sonya Ghobrial	+44 (0) 7392 784 784
Andy Ryan Grace Murphy	+44 (0) 7803 854 842 +44 (0) 7514 726 167
investor.relations@diageo.com

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, JeB and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo 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). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Diageo plc

(Registrant)

Date: 16 September 2025

By:___/s/ James Edmunds

James Edmunds

Deputy Company Secretary

FAQ

Who was appointed to Diageo's board and when does the appointment take effect?

Diageo appointed John Rishton as a Non-Executive Director, effective 1 November 2025.

Which board committees will John Rishton join at Diageo?

On appointment John Rishton will join Diageo's Audit and Nomination Committees.

What relevant executive experience does John Rishton have as disclosed by Diageo?

The filing states he spent nearly 14 years as a CEO or CFO, including roles as CEO of Rolls-Royce Group and CFO/CEO of Royal Ahold, and CFO of British Airways.

Will John Rishton continue in his current roles after joining Diageo?

He currently chairs Informa plc and Serco Group PLC; the filing notes he will retire from Serco on 31 December 2025.

Does the filing disclose any additional material information or transactions related to the appointment?

Diageo confirms in accordance with Listing Rule 9.6.15 that no further details are required to be disclosed pursuant to Listing Rule 9.6.13.