Diageo top executives to exit as CEO pushes for revamp

Diageo is parting ways with several top executives as part of an extensive overhaul of the struggling UK distiller led by new chief executive officer Dave Lewis.

Ed Pilkington, the North America chief marketing and innovation officer, Hina Nagarajan, Africa president, and chief human resources officer Louise Prashad are among those who will leave the business, employees were told at meetings this week, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The high-profile departures are the latest sign of how quickly Lewis - a turnaround specialist dubbed "Drastic Dave" for his willingness to execute sweeping changes - is moving to revamp the maker of Johnnie Walker whisky and Guinness stout.