New boss of Guinness owner not expected to have a honeymoon period

After almost 17 years, the owner of Guinness is changing its CEO. With the outgoing boss retiring after successfully leading the company, the new leader is expected to hit the ground running. However, experts are warning that this change of leadership is not likely to come with the usual honeymoon period. Instead, the new boss will need to focus on navigating the industry’s ever-evolving landscape and dealing with the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic. In this article, we will take a closer look at the new CEO’s background and explore the key issues he is likely to face in steering the iconic brand towards a successful future.


Debra Crew, who will soon take over as CEO of Diageo, the parent company of Guinness, is facing the challenge of following a highly praised predecessor who seems to have timed his exit perfectly. Ivan Menezes, who led the company for a decade, received accolades from analysts for his successful tenure, which transformed Diageo from a struggling conglomerate to a powerhouse in the European consumer staples market. Despite initial doubts during Menezes’ first year in charge, his tenure was marked by a focus on premiumization in the western spirits markets, leading to significant acquisitions and disposals of brands. Crew, a former US army officer who has worked for several multinational companies, including Kraft, Nestle, and PepsiCo, among others, is set to take on this role, becoming one of the few women CEOs on the FTSE 100. However, she is unlikely to receive much of a honeymoon period from investors, with concerns about a potential US recession and the slowing premiumization trend impacting recent sales growth.


In conclusion, it seems that the new boss of Guinness owner, Diageo, is in for a challenging ride. With pressures from shareholders and a struggling business due to the pandemic, there is little room for a honeymoon period. However, with his extensive experience and strategic vision, Ivan Menezes may steer the company back to success. Only time will tell if he is able to turn the tide and make a lasting impact on the iconic global brand.