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WPP finance chief Joanne Wilson to become Diageo CFO, Sky News reports - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
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WPP finance chief Joanne Wilson to become Diageo CFO, Sky News reports

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on September 23, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: September 23, 2026

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WPP Finance Chief Joanne Wilson Set to Become CFO of Diageo, Says Sky News

Joanne Wilson's Move from WPP to Diageo: Key Developments and Industry Impact

Background on Joanne Wilson's Departure from WPP

Sept 22 (Reuters) - WPP CFO Joanne Wilson is set to leave Britain's biggest advertising group to become finance chief at Guinness maker Diageo, Sky News reported on Tuesday.

Wilson's potential departure from WPP, less than four years into the role, would come as the Ogilvy agency owner looks to turn around its business after losing its position as the world's largest ad group to France's Publicis.

Diageo's CFO Transition

Appointment Process and Official Statements

Diageo is finalising Wilson's appointment and could announce the move as early as Wednesday, the report said.

Diageo declined to comment, while WPP did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment outside regular business hours.

Leadership Changes at Diageo

Wilson's Predecessor: Nik Jhangiani

Wilson would replace Diageo CFO Nik Jhangiani, who Sky News said was expected to leave the Johnnie Walker maker.

Jhangiani joined Diageo as CFO in May 2024 and was briefly interim CEO before Dave Lewis took over the top role this year.

Some investors had previously expected Jhangiani would become permanent CEO at Diageo. Jhangiani resumed the finance chief role in January.

Strategic Overhaul and Financial Performance

Leadership Under Dave Lewis

Wilson's potential move to Diageo also comes amid a broad overhaul under Lewis that has already led to the departure of several senior executives and reductions in headcount.

Lewis last month unveiled a $1 billion cost-cutting plan, saying the world's largest spirits maker must adapt to a prolonged period of weak growth.

Wilson and Lewis have both previously worked together at Tesco.

Market Reactions and Share Performance

Diageo shares have gained roughly 2% so far this year after four straight years of declines. WPP shares have risen nearly 14% this year after a 59% drop in 2025.

Reporting Credits

(Reporting by Bipasha Dey in Bengaluru; Editing by Jonathan Ananda and Subhranshu Sahu)

Key Takeaways

  • Joanne Wilson, a former Tesco and Britvic executive, has served as WPP CFO since April 2023 and is set to become Diageo CFO, pending announcement as early as Wednesday. (wpp.com)
  • Her appointment comes as Diageo, under CEO Dave Lewis, launches a $1 billion cost‑cutting plan amid weak growth and a wider management reshuffle. (news.sky.com)
  • Wilson departs WPP during its Elevate28 transformation – the company’s multi‑year turnaround strategy targeting £500 million in gross annual savings by 2028. (wpp.com)

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Joanne Wilson and what is her new role?
Joanne Wilson is the current CFO of WPP and is set to become the new finance chief at Diageo, according to a Sky News report.
Who will Joanne Wilson replace at Diageo?
Joanne Wilson will replace Nik Jhangiani as the CFO of Diageo.
What recent changes have occurred at Diageo?
Diageo has seen several executive departures, a new CEO, and launched a $1 billion cost-cutting plan to address weak growth.
How has Diageo's share price performed recently?
Diageo shares have gained roughly 2% so far this year after four consecutive years of declines.
What is the relationship between Wilson and Diageo's CEO Dave Lewis?
Joanne Wilson and Dave Lewis previously worked together at Tesco before their current roles at WPP and Diageo, respectively.

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