Deirdre Mahlan – Non Executive Director & Audit Committee Chair

Deirdre Mahlan is an accomplished leader with diversified experience in Executive and Non-Executive leadership roles in consumer-focused, global businesses.  She currently serves as the Audit Committee Chair at Experian plc and The Duckhorn Portfolio Inc and also serves as a Non- Executive Director and Audit Committee member for the Kimberly-Clark Corporation. 

Ms. Mahlan served as a senior Executive at Diageo plc for more than twenty years, most recently serving as President of Diageo North America, Diageo’s largest operating division.  Prior to her operating role, Ms. Mahlan was an Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer for Diageo plc for five years and before that held a number of senior finance roles.  Ms. Mahlan began her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers where she gained experience in audit across a number of diversified global companies.  Ms. Mahlan is a Certified Public Accountant and received her bachelor’s degree in Accounting from New York University and an MBA from Columbia University.

Deirdre Mahlan

NOMINATIONS FOR 2026 ARE OPEN!

The program is free but highly selective so firstly we ask senior business leaders working within Marketing, Media and Advertising to nominate the best of their emerging leaders for a place on the program. All ‘nominees’ then receive an ‘Invitation to Apply’ which includes essential information about the process.

APPLICATIONS FOR THE GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM 2026 ARE OPEN

Applicants may apply to EITHER cohort regardless of country of residence, but must commit to attend both Residential dates & the Virtual day of their chosen cohort. Attendance is mandatory and a condition of acceptance onto the program.