The brand company is to be called Premium Wine Brands and a statement said the new company is “in charge of the development and global strategy of the group’s strategic wine brands. The portfolio includes: Australian wines (Jacob’s Creek), New Zealand wines (Montana and Brancott), as well as Spanish and Argentinean wine brands with an international potential (Campo Viejo and Graffigna). The new company’s objective is to accelerate the international development of these brands within the Pernod Ricard distribution network”.
Jean-Christophe Coutures, who is currently chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard Pacific, is to become chairman and CEO of Premium Wine Brands. He will report to Thierry Billot, managing director, Brands.
The Absolut Company is to be responsible for all of Pernod’s international vodka brands, including Absolut, Friis and Wyborowa. A statement said: “Its objective is to establish the Group’s strategy for the entire vodka segment.”
In addition, The Absolut Company will retain the responsibility for the Malibu and Kahlúa brands.
Stéphane Longuet, currently vice president finance of The Absolut Company, is appointed chief operating officer of the standard vodka division of The Absolut Company and will report to Philippe Guettat, chairman and CEO of The Absolut Company. As a result, Rolf Cassergren will be appointed vice president finance at The Absolut Company, in charge of finance, accounting, reporting, IT, customer service and general services.
The company has also created a new region. Pernod Ricard Sub-Saharan Africa will be a direct subsidiary of Pernod Ricard Europe with the objective of “accelerating the group’s development in this region”.
Henry Carew, currently managing director of Pernod Ricard Southern Central Europe is appointed as managing director, Pernod Ricard Sub-Saharan Africa, with effect from October 1 and will report to Laurent Lacassagne, chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard Europe. His replacement will be announced at a later date.
Lastly, Pernod Ricard has announced the following changes within the group’s general management. Michel Bord has decided to relinquish the post of managing director, distribution network with effect from 30 July 2010.
Bord’s responsibilities are to be assumed by Pierre Pringuet, chief executive officer.
Bruno Rain, currently managing director, human resources, is now responsible for the group’s corporate responsibility policy: Responsible Consumption, Environmental Responsibility and Corporate Ethics.
