Diageo appoints WPP CFO Joanne Wilson to lead finance

Diageo has announced that Joanne Wilson, the current CFO of WPP, will join the company as Chief Financial Officer in 2027. Wilson will succeed Nik Jhangiani, who joined the spirits maker in 2024 and previously served as interim CEO.

Wilson’s appointment comes as Diageo undergoes a leadership transition and a strategic turnaround, particularly in North America, to address changing consumer habits and cost-conscious spending. The company reported a 22.9% drop in net profit for the fiscal year 2026, reaching $1.9 billion, following $900 million in restructuring charges.

CEO Sir Dave Lewis noted that Wilson’s experience in leading transformations will be vital to accelerating the company’s turnaround. Diageo aims to realize $850 million in savings over a two-year period starting in fiscal 2027.