Diageo has announced the appointment of Ursula Burns as a Non-Executive Director. Ursula will also join the Audit, the Nomination and the Remuneration Committees on appointment to the company.

Bringing a breadth of experience to Diageo

Burns chaired the board of the Xerox Corporation from 2010 to 2017 and was its chief executive officer from 2009 to 2016. Diageo has said that it was ‘delighted’ about Burns joining its board of directors, as she helped Xerox ‘transform from a global leader in document technology to the world’s most diversified business company’, serving enterprises and governments of all sizes.

An inspirational woman

“I am delighted that Ursula is joining Diageo’s Board. Her significant and senior expertise in corporate services, manufacturing and product development, coupled with her experience across global markets and deep knowledge of the United States, will stand us in good stead as we progress towards our ambition to be one of the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer goods companies in the world. Her reputation as one of America’s leading businesswomen and her track record in championing women in business will be an inspiration to our people and ways of working. I look forward to welcoming Ursula to the Board, ” said Diageo Chairman, Javier Ferrán.

A recognised female leader

Ursula is a board director of American Express, Exxon Mobil, Nestlé and Datto. She also provides leadership counsel to several other community, educational and non-profit organisations including the Ford Foundation, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Corporation, the New York City Ballet and the Mayo Clinic among others. She also served as chair of the President’s Export Council from 2015 to 2016 after service as vice chair from 2010 to 2015.

STEM background to her career

Ursula holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Columbia University and a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from Polytechnic Institute of New York University. U.S. Her knowledge and expertise in the field led to President Barack Obama appointing Ursula to help lead the White House national programme on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) from 2009 to 2016.

Women are encouraged to succeed at Diageo

If you are inspired by Diageo’s new appointment and have what it takes to carve out a career with the world’s largest alcohol company, apply now for one of these current vacancies. Diageo is always looking for exceptional people to join their team, so go ahead and make a move towards an exciting career today!

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