WPP CFO Wilson Named Diageo Finance Chief
WPP CFO Wilson Named Diageo Finance Chief
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Key Points
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Wilson will also step down from WPP’s board, while the company conducts a formal search for her successor. WPP said the transition is intended to preserve continuity as it advances its Elevate28 growth strategy.
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Diageo’s leadership change comes amid a broader restructuring that includes a recently announced $1 billion cost-reduction program aimed at addressing a prolonged period of slower growth.
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Wilson and Diageo Chief Executive Dave Lewis previously worked together at Tesco, giving the incoming CFO an established relationship with the company’s current CEO.
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Before joining WPP, Wilson served as chief financial officer of Britvic and held data, retail and ESG-related leadership roles at Tesco and dunnhumby; she also serves as a nonexecutive director at Informa.
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Diageo owns a broad international portfolio that includes Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Baileys and Guinness, with products sold in nearly 180 countries.
Joanne Wilson is leaving her job as WPP's chief financial officer to become CFO of Diageo, the drinks giant behind Johnnie Walker and Guinness. RTTNews Wilson will stay at the advertising company for 12 months to help with the transition while WPP searches for her replacement. She joins Diageo in 2027 as the company pushes through a $1 billion cost-cutting plan.
Wilson brings deep experience in financial leadership and turnarounds from roles at WPP, Britvic, Tesco, and KPMG. MarketScreener She previously worked with Diageo's CEO Dave Lewis at Tesco, giving her an established relationship with the company's leadership team.
WPP Keeps Its Growth Strategy on Track
WPP said its 2026 financial outlook remains unchanged despite Wilson's departure. RTTNews The advertising group will conduct a formal search to fill the CFO role while Wilson completes her 12-month notice period. WPP is advancing its Elevate28 growth strategy and emphasized that the transition plan preserves business continuity.
Diageo's Turnaround Requires New Financial Leadership
Diageo is in the midst of a major restructuring to reverse slower growth. MarketScreener The company recently announced a $1 billion cost-reduction program focused on streamlining operations. Wilson's appointment as CFO will support Diageo's push toward sustainable growth and stronger shareholder returns.
Wilson Steps Into Board and Executive Roles
Wilson will join Diageo's board and executive committee when she arrives in 2027. MarketScreener She steps down from WPP's board immediately. Her background spans finance, data analytics, retail, and ESG — skills that match Diageo's transformation needs.
A Track Record Built on Retail and Cost Control
Before joining WPP, Wilson was CFO of Britvic and held major roles at Tesco and dunnhumby in data, retail, and sustainability. She also worked at KPMG early in her career and currently serves as a nonexecutive director at Informa. Diageo's CEO Dave Lewis worked alongside Wilson at Tesco, meaning the two already have a proven working relationship.
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