Diageo’s head of investor relations steps down

Diageo has announced that Catherine James, head of investor relations, is to leave the company after 32 years.

James is stepping down from Diageo in order to pursue new opportunities and follow “a desire to work with young entrepreneurs”, and will leave in early February 2017.

She will be succeeded by Sharon Rolston, group treasurer, Diageo, effective 3 February 2017.

Rolston joined Diageo in 2010 from Nortel Networks where she held a number of senior finance leadership positions.

She worked for Diageo Europe as finance director Europe and also as Western Europe finance and strategy director, before taking on the role of group treasurer in 2014.

She is also a non executive director of The John Lewis Partnership.

Kathryn Mikells, Diageo’s chief financial officer, said: “Personally, I have really valued working with Catherine over the past year. Her leadership of the Investor Relations team and the professionalism with which she and her team partner to build confidence and tell Diageo’s performance story, with real passion and authenticity, is best in class.

“Her relationships, knowledge and insight of the investor relations community has critically allowed Diageo to build both trust and respect while strengthening Diageo’s leadership position.

“On behalf of Diageo I would like to thank Catherine for her substantial contribution to the business and wish her the very best for the future, while congratulating Sharon on her appointment and wishing her every success.”