Diageo named best governed UK business

Drinks giant Diageo has been ranked as the best governed firm among the largest-listed companies in the UK, according to a report by the Institute of Directors.

Diageo, owner of Johnnie Walker and Captain Morgan, has been ranked as the best governed UK business

Diageo grabbed the top spot in the 2017 Good Governance Index, beating Aviva, GKN, Barclays and the Smiths Group.

The only alcohol producer to make the list, Diageo moved up two places from last year on the list, which ranked the top 103 companies.

According to the group, the purpose of the report is to encourage the study of good governance among UK companies and stimulates public debate on the importance of corporate governance in rebuilding the reputation of the UK business community.

Compiled for the Institute of Directors by Cass Business School, the report examines a range of factors relating to how companies are run, including board diversity, directors’ pay, how long the business has been with an auditor and whether they have a whistle-blowing policy.

Earlier this month, Jack Daniel’s, Johnnie Walker and Smirnoff were ranked among the top 100 most valuable global brands on the Interbrand Best Global Brands 2017 list.