9th August 2018 - Today, Diageo has announced that Sharon Rolston, Head of Investor Relations, is to become Group Controller, effective 1 October 2018. Stephen Bolton, currently Group Controller, has decided to leave Diageo after 12 years to pursue new opportunities.
Sharon joined Diageo in 2010 from Nortel Networks where she held a number of senior finance leadership positions. Prior to her current role, she spent time in Diageo Europe; first as Finance Director Europe and latterly as Western Europe Finance and Strategy Director. Sharon became Group Treasurer in 2014 and then Head of Investor Relations in February 2017. She is also a Non-Executive Director of The John Lewis Partnership.
A new Head of Investor Relations will be announced in due course, with Sharon retaining accountability in the interim.
Kathryn Mikells, Chief Financial Officer said:
‘I have really valued working with Steve over the past three years. His leadership of Diageo’s business performance management processes has been instrumental in delivering strong cash performance, improving our forecasting and overall financial performance. Steve also pioneered the centralisation of our financial control function, as well as other changes that have greatly improved the efficiency and effectiveness of the overall finance organisation.’
‘On behalf of Diageo I would like to thank Steve for his substantial contribution to the business and wish him the very best for the future. I would also like to congratulate Sharon on her appointment and wish her every success.’