Diageo has introduced a new global division to combine ‘luxury assets’ into one portfolio including brands such as Brora and Port Ellen.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka has strengthened its presence in Eastern Europe and Central Asia with the appointment of new distributors in Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Kyrgyzstan.

Constellation Brands has named Jay Wright, currently president of its North American division, as its new chief operating officer (COO), effective immediately. In his new role, Wright will oversee marketing, sales and operations across the company. This is the first time Constellation Brands has appointed such a role and a statement from the company said “the creation of the COO role is the latest step in the company's evolution to further refine and streamline its organisation”.

There are unconfirmed reports that the sale of Rémy Cointreau’s champagne division, which includes the the Piper-Heidsieck and Charles Heidsieck brands has gone through.

The Rémy Cointreau Group has announced that it has entered into “exclusive negotiations with EPI” to sell its champagne division.

Following a strategic review of its global operations, Pernod Ricard has confirmed that its key international wine properties will be grouped and managed under one business – Premium Wine Brands.