Diageo, the multinational beverage company and owner of Guinness, has announced the immediate departure of its Chief Executive Officer.

In a surprising move for a corporation of its size, Debra Crew has exited her position without a designated successor.

The company has initiated a search for a replacement, with Chief Financial Officer Nik Jhangiani assuming the CEO responsibilities in the interim.

Diageo has experienced a decline in sales over several years, despite the sustained popularity and high demand for its flagship Guinness stout.

According to Diageo, Ms. Crew’s departure was mutually agreed upon, with no further details provided in the official statement.

Sources familiar with the situation suggest the board of directors made the decision for Ms. Crew to leave, a decision she subsequently accepted.

Her departure follows closely on the heels of John Manzoni’s appointment as chairman of the board, though sources indicate no personality clashes influenced the decision.

Instead, it’s been reported that despite Diageo’s sales outperforming the broader market, its share price has lagged, prompting the board to prioritize shareholder returns.

Mr. Manzoni acknowledged Ms. Crew’s leadership during “the challenging aftermath of the global pandemic and the ensuing geopolitical and macroeconomic volatility,” in a public statement.

“I wish her every success in the future,” he added.

Ms. Crew’s tenure, beginning in 2023, saw a decrease in overall sales, despite the continued growth of the Guinness brand.

The stout’s popularity led to supply shortages in some pubs in December of the previous year, following the company’s inability to meet surging consumer demand.

Landlords criticized the company for the supply issues, describing the situation as “a bit of a shambles.” Guinness attributed the shortages to “exceptional consumer demand” in Great Britain.

In the six months leading to the end of last year, net sales of Guinness increased by 13% compared to the same period in 2023, while brands like Ciroc vodka and Captain Morgan’s rum experienced declines of 32% and 21% respectively.

Diageo and other alcoholic beverage companies are also grappling with shifting consumer preferences, as younger demographics opt for reduced alcohol consumption compared to previous generations.

West Mercia Police confirms that the death in Stottesdon is not considered suspicious.

Councillors report The Royal Hotel has remained vacant for numerous years and requires substantial repairs.

New tenants take over the pub following a successful community campaign to restore its use.

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Publicans are contacting Your Voice, Your BBC News to raise concerns about the future of the industry.

Diageo, the parent company of Guinness, has announced the immediate departure of its Chief Executive Officer, Debra Crew.

In a surprising move for a corporation of its size, Ms. Crew’s exit occurs without a designated successor in place.

The company has initiated a search for a replacement, with Chief Financial Officer Nik Jhangiani assuming the CEO role in the interim.

Diageo has faced declining sales figures in recent years, despite strong consumer demand for its flagship Guinness stout.

According to Diageo, Ms. Crew’s departure was by mutual agreement and effective immediately; further details were not disclosed in the company statement.

Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the board of directors made the decision for Ms. Crew to leave, to which she concurred.

This leadership change follows shortly after John Manzoni’s appointment as chairman of the board, though sources deny any personality conflicts.

Instead, sources suggest that despite Diageo’s sales surpassing market performance, its share price underperformance led the board to act in the interest of maximizing shareholder value.

Mr. Manzoni acknowledged Ms. Crew’s leadership in navigating the company through “the challenging aftermath of the global pandemic and the ensuing geopolitical and macroeconomic volatility.”

“I wish her every success in the future,” he stated.

Ms. Crew’s tenure, which began in 2023, saw a decline in overall sales, despite the continued growth of the Guinness brand.

The stout’s popularity led to shortages in some pubs last December due to supply constraints in meeting increased demand.

Landlords voiced criticism at the time, calling the situation “a bit of a shambles.” Guinness attributed the shortages to “exceptional consumer demand” in Great Britain.

During the latter half of last year, Guinness net sales increased by 13% compared to the same period in 2023, while brands such as Ciroc vodka and Captain Morgan’s rum experienced declines of 32% and 21%, respectively.

Diageo and other beverage companies are also grappling with evolving drinking habits among younger demographics, who are increasingly choosing to consume less alcohol compared to previous generations.

West Mercia Police reports the death in Stottesdon is not being treated as suspicious.

Councillors note The Royal Hotel has been vacant for years and requires extensive repairs.

New tenants move into a pub after a successful community campaign to restore its use.

Bristol City Council apologizes after contractors damage a cellar roof during construction work.

Publicans have contacted Your Voice, Your BBC News to raise concerns about the industry’s future.