Lord Blyth to retire as Chairman of Diageo
The Board of Diageo plc has today announced the appointment of Dr Franz Humer as the next chairman of Diageo plc.
Dr Humer will take up his appointment as the new chairman from 1 July 2008 after retiring from his current role as chief executive of F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd in March of the same year.
Lord Blyth of Rowington will remain chairman of Diageo for a further year until Dr. Humer takes up his appointment.
Lord Blyth said: "The Board is delighted that Franz Humer will assume the role of chairman next year.
"Franz has a first class track record with considerable experience of international business in both mature and developing markets.
"He has been a non-executive director of Diageo for two years and during this time he has demonstrated to the whole board the qualities that will allow him to be a very successful chairman of Diageo."
Dr Humer said: "I am delighted and honoured that my Board colleagues have offered me this appointment. Over the last two years I have come to know and admire Diageo's people and performance. I look forward to taking up broader responsibilities in the company."
Paul Walsh, chief executive, Diageo plc said: "I would like to thank James Blyth for his commitment to Diageo over the last eight years. During that time we have made considerable progress in building Diageo's position as the world's leading premium drinks business and I thank James for the significant contribution he has made to that."
