Business news live: Guinness maker appoints new CEO and the job AI threatens most

Here’s one nobody wants, but maybe need to know: Research has suggested the job types or roles that are set to be most affected by AI next year.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) conducted research which shows one in six employers believing AI will mean a reduction workforce headcount in 2026 (fewer jobs, in other words).

And among those, a massive 62 per cent – nearly two-thirds – believe the jobs most at risk are those in clerical or administration roles.

Managers or senior staff (28per cent) are next in line, with sales or service staff (27 per cent) not far behind.

“Junior roles stand to be most affected by AI, but we need a national drive to retrain and upskill people of all ages and career stages,” said James Cockett, a senior economist at the CIPD.

Investors look to have reacted positively to that appointment by Diageo – shares are up 7 per cent this morning.

That makes the firm the highest riser on the FTSE 100.

“The announcement is clearly being seen as a potential inflection point for the group given the new hire’s proven ability in brand building,” pointed out interactive investor’s Richard Hunter.

The Co-op has said it is pushing forward with a number of new stores and major refurbishments as it bounces back from a damaging cyber attack.

The retailer said 50 stores will be opened or re-opened by Christmas as it urged the Government to reform business rates ahead of the autumn Budget.

It said reforms will be “vital” to encourage further high street investment as it continues with its own expansion ambitions.

The latest slew of openings will take the Co-op’s store openings and refurbishments to more than 200 sites for the latest financial year.

Looking like the end of the US shutdown is boosting stock markets across the board.

The FTSE 100 has opened more than 0.6 per cent up, with the FTSE 250 up a similar amount in (very) early trading.

France and Germany also see the major index in each up by more than 1 per cent.

Investors are returning in their droves this morning it appears – we’ll see how long it lasts.

We start with the news one of the big hitters from the FTSE 100 has finally named a new chief executive.

Diageo, the maker of Guinness, Johnnie Walker whisky and Ciroc vodka, has seen its share price drop almost a third, 32 per cent, year to date and last week issued a profit warning.

Sir Dave Lewis is the new CEO, a former leader of Tesco for six years who also spent decades at Unilever. He has been chair at Haleon, but will step down from that role to start at Diageo on 1 January 2026.

Previous chief executive Debra Crew stepped down in July and the drinks maker has been criticised by some investors for being slow in finding a replacement.

“Lewis brings deep experience in consumer brands from his time leading Tesco and decades at Unilever, though he lacks direct exposure to the spirits industry. Investors may welcome his strong marketing pedigree, but any major strategic reset will take time, leaving near-term focus on navigating tough trading conditions,” said Matt Britzman, a senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.

Morning all – another week starts, another bunch of people fearing that the Budget is going to leave them worse off.

We’ll bring you the latest money matters around what the chancellor might or might not do, how you can continue to look after your own household finances and where the best places are for your savings to be right now.

As ever, we’ll also have the top business news, stock market movements and more.