Dave Lewis, the newly appointed chief executive of Diageo, has initiated a series of cost-cutting measures that signal significant organizational changes at the global drinks company. Since assuming leadership, Lewis has requested reductions in staff and overall expenses, prompting departures among senior executives in key regions including Great Britain, North America, and Africa.

Diageo, which employs approximately 30,000 people worldwide, is reportedly preparing for layoffs focused primarily on non-revenue generating teams, with internal communications suggesting these could be announced as early as next week. The company has emphasized its commitment to informing affected employees before any public disclosure of such changes.

Lewis, who gained the moniker “Drastic Dave” during his tenure at Tesco and Unilever due to his aggressive cost-cutting strategies, now faces the challenge of reversing Diageo’s recent underperformance. Since peaking in 2022, the company’s shares have declined by 60%, a downturn partly attributed to shifts in consumer behavior following a pandemic-related surge in alcohol consumption.

The scale and specifics of Lewis’s restructuring plans remain uncertain, but industry observers anticipate further moves aimed at streamlining operations and improving profitability amid a tougher market landscape. Diageo’s response reflects broader trends within the beverage sector, where companies are adapting to evolving demand patterns and economic pressures.

As Lewis implements these changes, stakeholders will be closely watching how Diageo balances efficiency gains with maintaining its global market positioning and workforce morale.