Diageo Once Again Recognized by Human Rights Campaign as 'Best Place to Work'

NORWALK, Conn., Sept. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Diageo, the world's leading
spirits, wine and beer company, is pleased to announce that it has again
earned a perfect score in the annual Human Rights Campaign's Corporate
Equality Index (CEI) survey.  The CEI is an annual report produced by the
Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's
largest advocacy group for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans.
With a perfect score of 100 for the second year in a row, Diageo was again
recognized as one of the "Best Places to Work" and listed as one of the top
companies that support equality for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT)
employees.

"Diageo is committed to maintaining an inclusive workplace, and achieving this
rating two years in a row validates these efforts," said Ivan Menezes,
President and CEO Diageo North America.  "We want to be known as an
organization where our employees know they can confidently bring their true
selves to work every day."

Diageo has been recognized in the past for its Diversity Council and employee
resource groups (ERGs).  Diageo's Rainbow Network was one of the first ERGs at
Diageo and one of its most active.

"Diageo not only talks the talk, it walks the walk when it comes to
inclusiveness," said Neil Tallantire who leads Diageo's Rainbow Network
alongside his day job as Senior Vice President of Innovation.  "The incredible
support from the highest levels of the company has helped energize Diageo's
Rainbow Network.  It is great to see the passion of our members as well as the
response from all employees to the group's efforts - whether it is a Diageo
float in a local Gay Pride parade or an activity that supports our sales
team's efforts with gay-owned and operated accounts."

The energy of Diageo's Rainbow Network is spreading globally, with chapters
now in Diageo's London and Amsterdam offices.

Each year, the CEI provides an in-depth analysis and rating of large U.S.
employers and their policies and practices pertinent to GLBT employees,
consumers and investors.

Diageo achieved perfect marks in the following categories:
    --  Non-discrimination policy, diversity training - sexual orientation;
    --  Non-discrimination policy, diversity training - gender identity or
        expression;
    --  Partner benefits;
    --  LGBT employee resource group/diversity council;
    --  Engages in appropriate and respectful advertising and marketing or
        sponsors LGBT community events or organizations; and

    --  Employer exhibits responsible behaviour toward the LGBT community;
does
        not engage in action that would undermine LGBT equality.

Diageo has a long history of supporting the Human Rights Campaign.  Beaulieu
Vineyard has been a sponsor of the Human Rights Campaign for more than a
decade and a "National Partner" for the last five years.

About HRC Foundation

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America's
largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual
and transgender equality.  By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC
strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that
achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

For more information on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2008 Corporate
Equality Index, visit www.HRC.org/CEI.

About Diageo

Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an
outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and
beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B,
Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and
Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the
world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the
London Stock Exchange (DGE).

For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit
us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking
through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit
DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

SOURCE  Diageo

Zsoka McDonald of Diageo, +1-203-229-4730; or Rachel Rosenblatt of FD,
+1-212-850-5697