Source: Sharecast
The drinks giant said Mahlan brings extensive spirits industry and Diageo knowledge as well as broad consumer goods experience in both executive and board positions.
Her career includes 27 years at Diageo and predecessor companies, including serving as Diageo’s CFO from 2010 to 2015.
Most recently, she served as interim president, chief executive officer and chairperson of The Duckhorn Portfolio ahead of its sale to Butterfly Equity.
Interim CEO Nik Jhangiani said: "Deirdre brings extensive spirits and functional expertise to the interim chief financial officer role, complemented with deep knowledge of Diageo and its operations.
"I am delighted that she has agreed to return on an interim basis and I have full confidence that she will provide invaluable guidance to our teams, and partner with me as we deliver on our Accelerate programme to drive long term sustainable growth."
Earlier this month, Diageo announced that chief executive Debra Crew had stepped down with immediate effect, by mutual agreement.
Crew took over in June 2023 after the sudden death of long-time and well-respected CEO Ivan Menezes, having joined the company as a non-executive director in 2019 and later served as president of Diageo North America and subsequently as group chief operating officer.