In a stunning corporate development, Diageo has appointed former Tesco chief Sir Dave Lewis as its new chairman, marking a dramatic return to the UK business scene for the renowned turnaround specialist.
The drinks giant behind global brands including Guinness, Johnnie Walker, and Smirnoff confirmed the appointment on Monday, 10th November 2025, following mounting pressure from shareholders concerned about the company's recent performance.
The Return of 'Drastic Dave'
Sir Dave Lewis, famously nicknamed 'Drastic Dave' during his transformative tenure at Tesco, will join the Diageo board immediately as chairman-designate. He is scheduled to take over the role fully from current chairman Javier Ferrán in July 2026.
The appointment represents a significant coup for Diageo, which has faced challenges in key markets including Latin America and the Caribbean. Sir Dave brings a formidable reputation for corporate revitalisation, having previously rescued Tesco from one of the most difficult periods in its history.
During his six-year leadership at Tesco between 2014 and 2020, Sir Dave orchestrated one of British retail's most remarkable recoveries, restoring profitability and steering the supermarket through an accounting scandal that had threatened its stability.
Shareholder Pressure and Strategic Shifts
The decision to bring in Sir Dave follows increasing discontent among Diageo's investor base. The company has faced criticism over its handling of market challenges and succession planning, particularly after the sudden departure of former chief executive Sir Ivan Menezes last year.
Current chairman Javier Ferrán acknowledged the appointment as part of a 'clear and orderly succession process' that the board had been undertaking. The move is seen as a direct response to calls for stronger leadership to navigate the complex global drinks market.
Sir Dave's extensive consumer goods experience, gained during his 28 years at Unilever where he rose to become president of its personal care division, makes him particularly well-suited to understanding Diageo's brand portfolio and global operations.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
The incoming chairman faces several immediate challenges, including revitalising growth in underperforming markets and addressing changing consumer habits. The premium drinks sector has seen shifting patterns since the pandemic, with some traditional markets struggling while new opportunities emerge in emerging economies.
Analysts suggest that Sir Dave's proven ability to implement strategic cost-cutting while maintaining brand investment will be crucial in balancing short-term performance with long-term growth. His experience in managing complex supply chains and international operations will also be valuable for a company of Diageo's global scale.
The appointment has been broadly welcomed by city analysts, with many seeing it as a positive signal of Diageo's commitment to addressing its recent challenges head-on. Sir Dave's track record suggests he won't shy away from making tough decisions to restore the company's momentum.
As one of Britain's most respected business leaders, his return to a major corporate role is likely to be closely watched across the industry. The coming months will reveal whether 'Drastic Dave' can work his magic once again, this time on one of the world's leading drinks companies.
