DRINKS maker Diageo has brought in a former senior civil servant and BP executive as its new chair. The business leader will take over from Javier Ferrán when he retires next year.

Manzoni has been on its board since October 2020 and was formerly the chief executive of the civil service from 2014 to 2020. He is also the chair of the FTSE firm SSE.

This comes as Diageo, which makes drinks such as Guinness and Pimm's, has seen its share price drop in the last year, in part due to the pressure of rising energy costs.

In January, it reported its growth had slipped in every region across the world, dragging profits sharply southward. The company has however heralded the rise of non-alcoholic drinks, including zero alcohol Guinness.

Last month it was reported the company is mulling the sale of three non-core brands, including summertime favourite Pimm's.

Sir John Manzoni said: "Since joining the Board, I have been continually impressed by the growth potential of the organisation, the quality of our brands, and the dedication and high standards of Diageo colleagues around the world."

(c) 2024 City A.M., source Newspaper