This week’s roundup highlights five major leadership moves that signal fresh strategic priorities across life sciences, consumer goods, insurance, mining, and automotive industries. You’ll learn how Harvard Bioscience is betting on innovation under new CEO John Duke, why Diageo has tapped its CFO as interim leader amid cost pressures, and how AIG is strengthening its digital capabilities with a new president. We also cover Rio Tinto’s internal promotion to drive critical-minerals growth and Stellantis’s appointment to accelerate electrification and profitability.
Each of these appointments and transitions reflects the unique challenges boards face, including flat performance and supply-chain headwinds as well as the push for digital transformation and sustainability targets. Read on for key insights you can apply to your own boardroom discussions and leadership planning.
Harvard Bioscience Appoints John Duke as CEO
Harvard Bioscience announced that John Duke will become President and CEO on July 28 2025. Duke joins from Corning where he led laboratory products and saw annual revenue growth of around 20 percent. At Harvard Bioscience he will focus on revitalizing the company’s innovation pipeline and refocusing on emerging scientific applications in areas such as cell analysis and precision medicine. His mandate also includes streamlining operations to improve margins after recent quarters of flat performance. Duke’s experience in global lab technologies is expected to accelerate partnerships with academic institutions and biopharma customers. He will work closely with the Board to set clear milestones for product development and market expansion. Observers view his appointment as a signal that Harvard Bioscience intends to shift from maintaining existing systems toward more aggressive growth and diversification in the fast evolving life sciences equipment market.
Source: Stock Titan
Diageo CEO Debra Crew Steps Down Amid Cost Initiative
Global spirits company Diageo announced that Debra Crew has resigned as CEO following a 43 percent drop in share value and warnings about profit pressures. CFO Nik Jhangiani will serve as interim CEO while the Board searches for a permanent replacement. This change comes as Diageo implements a $500 million cost reduction program designed to counteract post-pandemic declines in on-trade consumption and navigate geopolitical headwinds. Crew’s tenure saw efforts to expand premium brands and invest in e-commerce but market conditions and supply chain disruptions led to weaker-than-expected results. With Jhangiani’s financial expertise now at the helm, the company aims to stabilize margins through efficiency measures and tighter control of marketing spend. The interim phase will allow the Board to identify a leader with the right mix of financial discipline and consumer marketing skills to restore growth and investor confidence.
Source: Reuters
AIG Appoints John Neal as President
American International Group has named John Neal as President in a move to strengthen its reinsurance and property-casualty operations and accelerate digital innovation. Neal joins from Lloyd’s of London where he served as CEO and led modernization efforts including digital underwriting platforms and data analytics initiatives. At AIG he will oversee integration of reinsurance and P&C units, aiming to create synergies and improve pricing models. His role also includes driving the adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning to refine risk assessment and claims processing. Neal’s appointment is part of a broader leadership overhaul in which AIG seeks to enhance operational efficiency and reduce combined ratios. Analysts expect his experience in both legacy markets and insurtech partnerships to help AIG navigate evolving regulatory requirements and competitive pressures from digital-first insurers.
Source: Insurance Insider
Rio Tinto Promotes Simon Trott to Group CEO
Global mining giant Rio Tinto has promoted Simon Trott to Group CEO effective August 25 2025 after a successful stint as head of its iron-ore division. Trott guided the business through cyclone-related disruptions in Western Australia and achieved record production rates while maintaining strict cost controls. Under his leadership the division also advanced its lithium exploration projects to support the growing electric vehicle market. As Group CEO he will focus on cost discipline across all operations, improving ore quality through technology investments, and accelerating the company’s strategy in critical minerals. Trott’s internal promotion reflects Rio Tinto’s confidence in its leadership bench and continuing commitment to operational excellence. He will work with the Board to refine the group’s portfolio, including potential divestments of noncore assets, and to meet ambitious sustainability targets in water usage and carbon emissions reductions.
Source: Reuters
Stellantis Appoints Antonio Filosa as Group CEO
Automaker Stellantis has selected Antonio Filosa as its new Group CEO effective June 23 2025. Filosa currently serves as CEO of Jeep and Chief Operating Officer for Stellantis North America, where he led the brand’s expansion in South America and oversaw record sales in key markets. His experience spans 25 years with Fiat, Chrysler, and Stellantis affiliates, giving him a deep understanding of the company’s global footprint. As Group CEO he will drive the push toward electrification, strengthen operational discipline, and refine regional strategies to improve profitability. His appointment follows the departure of long-time CEO Carlos Tavares and signals a desire for continuity in executing the Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan. Filosa is tasked with accelerating investment in battery technologies and software development while ensuring product quality and cost efficiency across all 14 Stellantis brands.
Source: Stellantis
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