Diageo today announced that Kathryn Mikells is to be appointed Chief Financial Officer.

Based in London, Mikells’ position is effective November 9, 2015.

Mikells joins from Xerox Corporation, where she is currently CFO, a position she has held since May 2013.

Kathryn has extensive experience, the company says, having worked in a number of senior finance roles for global consumer facing and b2b businesses, including United Airlines, where she spent the majority of her career and was CFO from 2008-2010.

“Kathryn has the experience of working with teams to drive disciplined performance management which will contribute to the achievement of our performance ambition,” said Ivan Menezes, Chief Executive of Diageo. “Diageo is focused on driving performance from our core and on improving productivity to drive out cost to invest in growth.”

On Mikells’ appointment, Deirdre Mahlan will step down from the Diageo Board and her role as CFO.

“I wish to thank Deirdre most sincerely for her contribution to the Board, said Franz Humer, Chairman of Diageo. “The finance function and Diageo are stronger as a result of the changes Deirdre has made and the Board is delighted that she will continue to play a pivotal role for the company in leading our North American business.”

Said Mikells, “Diageo has a clear and compelling strategy and I am looking forward to working with Ivan and the team to deliver it.”