Diageo recently announced that Larry Schwartz, President North America would retire by the end of this calendar year. Today, Diageo has announced that Deirdre Mahlan, currently Chief Financial Officer, is to be appointed President Diageo North America. Deirdre's replacement will be announced in due course and until that time she will continue in her current role as CFO of Diageo.

Ivan Menezes, Chief Executive said:

"Diageo North America is a strong business and we are determined to deliver on that strength. Today we announced a number of organisational changes in Diageo North America and I am delighted that we can also announce that Deirdre will be leading this change. Deirdre has been an exceptional CFO and has the skills, together with experience of the market, to lead the next stage of growth in North America".

ENDS

For further information

Media relations:
Kirsty King +44 (0) 208 978 6855
global.press.office@diageo.com

Investor relations:
Colette Wright +44 (0) 208 978 1380
Pier Falcione +44 (0) 208 978 4838
James Crampton +44 (0)208 978 4613
investor.relations@diageo.com

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan's and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, C&icric;roc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 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.

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