Diageo has cut the pay of its two top executives after the drinks group missed performance targets, joining other UK companies in reining in management awards amid political and investor calls for restraint.

Drinks giant Diageo has reported that net sales in Ireland were flat during its last financial year, but has increased medium-term group profit targets and announced a £1.5bn (€1.7bn) share buyback programme, writes Geoff Percival,

Drinks giant Diageo has reported that net sales in Ireland were flat during its last financial year, but has increased medium-term group profit targets and announced a £1.5bn (€1.7bn) share buyback programme.