UK: Laurence Danon to join the Diageo Board

Diageo announced on December 7 the appointment of Laurence Danon, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO of France Printemps, to the Diageo board, effective 1 January 2006.

Her appointment brings to eight the number of Diageo's independent non-executive directors. She will be appointed to the Audit Committee, Remuneration Committee and Nomination Committee.

Commenting on the appointment, Lord Blyth said:
'Laurence has a high level of experience in government and international industry and current knowledge of running a large, European, customer focused consumer business. These attributes will further enhance our board and we look forward to welcoming her to Diageo.'

Diageo's chairman is James Blyth. Other non-executive directors are: Lord Hollick (Senior Independent Director and chairman of the Remuneration Committee), Dr Franz Humer, Maria Lilja, William Shanahan, Jonathan Symonds (chairman of the Audit Committee), Todd Stitzer and Paul Walker. Executive members of the board are Paul Walsh (CEO), Nick Rose (CFO).

Diageo is the world's leading premium drinks business. With its global vision, and local marketing focus, Diageo brings to consumers an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across the spirits, wine and beer categories including Smirnoff, Guinness, Johnnie Walker, Baileys, J&B, Cuervo, Captain Morgan and Tanqueray, and Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines. Diageo trades in some 180 countries around the world and is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). Diageo had a market capitalisation of £24.8billion as of the close of business of the London Stock Exchange on Tuesday, 6 December 2005. For more information about Diageo, its people, brands and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com

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