Diageo announces changes to its Board

The Board of Diageo has today announced changes to its Board of directors.

Jonathan Symonds has served one term as a non-executive director of Diageo, having been appointed in May 2004, and retires by rotation at the company’s AGM on October 16.

Having assumed a new external role he will not seek a further term on the Board. Mr Symonds will retire as chairman of Diageo’s Audit Committee on September 21 to comply with US audit committee independence standards as he assumes his new external role.

Philip Scott, Group Finance Director of Aviva plc, will be appointed to the Diageo Board, effective October 17. He will be appointed chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Nomination Committee and Remuneration Committee.

Paul Walker, a non-executive director who has served on the Board for five years, is appointed chairman of the Audit Committee for the interim period (from September 22 to October 16 2007).

Commenting on these Board changes, Lord Blyth said: "We will be sorry to lose Jon, who has made a major contribution to the Board, especially as chairman of the Audit Committee."

He added: "I am delighted to welcome Philip to the Diageo Board. During his long career at Aviva, Philip has been responsible for the strategic development of its businesses in North America and Asia Pacific, in particular creating new operations in China and India. His experience will further enhance our Board."