Diageo appoints WPP finance boss Joanne Wilson as CFO

Sept 23 (Reuters) - Guinness maker Diageo on Wednesday named Joanne Wilson, finance chief of British advertising group WPP, as its CFO, replacing Nik Jhangiani just over two years after he took up the role.

Wilson, who worked with Diageo's CEO Dave Lewis at British retailer Tesco, will take over some time in 2027, with Jhangiani to stay in his role to ensure a smooth handover, Diageo said in a statement on Wednesday. 

"Nik and I have agreed that, now we have shared our new strategy, this is the right time for this change," Lewis said in the statement, thanking him for his support and significant contribution to Diageo. 

Lewis took over as CEO in January with a mandate to revive the world's largest spirits maker after a challenging period. He and Jhangiani outlined Diageo's new strategy at a capital markets day in August.

Led by Lewis, the company launched a major restructuring drive that saw several top executives depart earlier in the year. 

Jhangiani said he enjoyed every minute at Diageo and wished the team the best for the future. 

His departure was first reported by Sky News on Tuesday. 

(Reporting by Prerna Bedi and Raechel Thankam Job in Bengaluru; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu, Editing by Louise Heavens)