Diageo gets new chairman

Dr Franz Humer is to succeed James Blyth as chairman of drinks giant Diageo from July next year.

The group's board said Humer, currently a non-executive director of Diageo, would take up his appointment after retiring from his current role as chief executive of F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd next March. Lord Blyth, who is a member of the House of Lords, will remain chairman of until Humer takes up his appointment.

Blyth said: "Franz has a first class track record with considerable experience of international business in both mature and developing markets.

"During his time as a non-executive director he has demonstrated to the whole board the qualities that will allow him to be a very successful chairman of Diageo."

Humer said he was "delighted and honoured" to be offered the 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, Diageo's chief executive thanked 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.

"I look forward to working with Franz Humer. We have a shared view in Diageo's ability to develop as a truly sustainable global business through the delivery of continued commercial success; enhancing our financial strength and making further progress against our social and environmental policy commitments."