(Reuters) -Diageo, the world’s top spirits maker, has considered external candidates to be its chief executive, including outgoing GSK CEO Emma Walmsley, the Financial Times reported on Saturday, citing people familiar with the situation.

Diageo and GSK did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

In September, GSK said Walmsley would step down at the end of the year and be replaced by insider Luke Miels. Walmsley served for more than eight years in the role, making her the most senior female CEO in Britain.

Interim Diageo CEO Nik Jhangiani stepped in after the abrupt exit of former CEO Debra Crew in July, after she struggled to win over investors following a bumpy start to her tenure.

Jhangiani previously said he expected a decision on a permanent replacement by the en

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