Debra Ann Crew, born on December 20, 1970, has left an indelible mark on the corporate landscape, currently serving as the President and CEO of Diageo. With a career spanning over 25 years, she has held key positions in renowned companies and has been recognized as one of the most powerful women in business.
Crew's educational journey laid a robust foundation for her career. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Denver and went on to attain an MBA from the prestigious University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Her service in the United States Army from 1993 to 1997, where she attained the rank of captain in military intelligence, complemented her commitment to education.
Her business trajectory commenced at Kraft Foods in 1997, where she occupied various management roles. Subsequently, she transitioned to Dreyer's, a Nestlé subsidiary, and then to Mars, Inc., where she became the General Manager and Chief Marketing Officer of Petcare US.
In 2010, she joined PepsiCo, making significant strides within the organization. Her roles included President of the Western European Region and President of PepsiCo Americas Beverages. Her promotion to President and General Manager of PepsiCo North America Nutrition was a defining moment in her time at PepsiCo.
In a surprising move in October 2014, Crew shifted from the food industry to become the President and Chief Commercial Officer of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. Despite the unexpected transition, she quickly rose to the position of president and COO, overseeing a substantial portion of the company's sales.
Crew's transformative leadership was further evident when she assumed the role of CEO at Reynolds American on January 1, 2017. This marked a significant achievement, as she became one of the few women CEOs of a major American tobacco company. Her strategic vision and operational acumen positioned her as a respected leader in the industry.
Further, her journey continued with notable appointments, including being a non-executive director at Diageo in April 2019. Eventually, in July 2020, she took on the role of President of Diageo North America. On July 1, 2023, she achieved a historic milestone by becoming the CEO of Diageo, making her the first female to hold this position in the company's history.
Crew's professional achievements have earned her recognition on Fortune magazine's list of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business multiple times. She has showcased her leadership prowess across diverse sectors, contributing to her reputation as a trailblazer and influencer.
Beyond her corporate endeavors, Crew's dedication is evident through her memberships on the boards of Mondelez International and Stanley Black & Decker. Her commitment to leadership, strategic thinking, and innovation continues to shape her role as a prominent figure in corporate America.
Crew's journey from military service to the pinnacle of corporate leadership reflects resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence. Her groundbreaking role as the CEO of Diageo adds another chapter to her remarkable career, underscoring her influence in shaping the future of the beverage industry.