Diageo PLC is a big company that makes drinks like Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, Baileys, Captain Morgan, and Tanqueray. Unlike a small business, Diageo does not have just one owner. It is a public company, listed on stock markets in London and New York, and owned by many shareholders.
Also the Diageo PLC is the owner of United Spirits is a company called Diageo. Diageo is a big British company that sells alcoholic drinks around the world. Diageo is based in London, United Kingdom.
In 2014, Diageo became the main owner of United Spirits. It bought most of the company’s shares. Today, Diageo owns more than 55% of United Spirits. This means Diageo controls the company.
Let’s take a look at Diageo PLC Owner and ownership:-
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1997 (merger of Guinness plc & Grand Metropolitan) |
| Corporate Type | Public company (LSE & NYSE listed) |
| Headquarters | London, England, UK |
| Chairman | John Manzoni |
| CEO | Debra G. Crew |
| CFO | Nik Jhangiani |
| Key Products | Spirits & beers: Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, Captain Morgan |
| 2024 Revenue | USD 20.27 billion |
| 2024 Net Profit | USD 3.87 billion |
| Employees | Around 30,000 worldwide |
History: How Diageo Began
Diageo was formed in December 1997, when Guinness and Grand Metropolitan merged. Its unique name comes from Latin diēs (“day”) and Greek geo (“earth”), reflecting its motto: “Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.”
Who Runs Diageo Today
- John Manzoni – Chairman of Diageo’s Board of Directors
- Debra G. Crew – Chief Executive Officer (CEO) since 2023
- Nik Jhangiani – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) since late 2024
These executives guide Diageo’s decisions and global strategy.
Who Owns Diageo Shares?
Although there isn’t one owner, here are the top shareholders in Diageo:
- BlackRock, Inc. – ~8.3%
- The Vanguard Group, Inc. – ~4.9%
- Massachusetts Financial Services Co. – ~4.6%
- FMR LLC (Fidelity) – ~3.0%
- Wellington Management Group – ~2.6%
- Norges Bank Investment Management – ~2.6%
Altogether, the top 25 shareholders control nearly 45–47% of Diageo.
How Diageo Fared in 2025
Strong Yet Challenged
- In 2024, Diageo earned USD 20.27 billion in revenue and USD 3.87 billion in profit.
- But in late 2024, Diageo issued a profit warning—the first in years—after sales dropped and inventory piled up in Latin America.
- They’re now expected to slow down their annual sales-growth targets, from 5–7% to something more realistic.
- Investor Terry Smith’s Fundsmith exited its stake due to worries about slower growth and competition from weight-loss trends.
Why People Invest in Diageo
Many investors buy Diageo shares because:
- It is a world-leading brand with premium alcohol products.
- Despite recent challenges, its 2024 revenue and profits were strong.
- But economic conditions, inflation, and changing drinking habits create risks.
FAQs
Q1: Who owns Diageo today?
A: Diageo is owned by many shareholders, including big investment firms like BlackRock and Vanguard.
Q2: Does Diageo have a CEO-owner?
A: No—It is led by executives, not owned by one person. The current CEO is Debra Crew.
Q3: How can I own a part of Diageo?
A: You can buy shares on the London Stock Exchange or New York Stock Exchange using a broker.
Q4: What brands belong to Diageo?
A: It owns many names like Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Tanqueray, and more.
Q5: Why did sales drop in late 2024?
A: The company warned of slow earnings due to weak consumer spending in Latin America and global economic issues.
Final Thoughts
Diageo is not controlled by a single person. It is a publicly owned company, managed by its board and shareholders. With world-famous brands and strong financials, it has a solid foundation. But it also faces real challenges—changing habits, economic slowdowns, and healthcare trends.
As of 2025, Diageo remains a key player in the global drinks industry, closely watched by investors and consumers alike.
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