Paolo Perego, 51, assumes immediate responsibility for leading all commercial operations in the region for the company’s portfolio.
Perego succeeds Stefan Bomhard who has decided to leave Bacardi to accept the role of CEO of Inchcape, the automotive group. Bomhard will stay until end of March to assist the transition.
Perego is a 25-year spirits industry veteran. Most recently he was the Bacardi regional president for Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) since joining the company in 2012.
Bacardi Limited CEO Mike Dolan said: “Paolo has a passionate leadership style that is driven by putting the consumers first in all that we do.
“His knowledge of Bacardi, coupled with his extensive background in strategy and commercial operations while overseeing rapid growth in markets including those in South America, Europe, the Caribbean, Central America and the Middle East will have an immediate impact on our business.”
Perego said: “With Europe being such a diverse region of established and emerging markets, we have a tremendous opportunity to further grow and strengthen our business and consumer base there.”
Prior to Bacardi, Perego served for more than 20 years in a variety of marketing, commercial and executive management positions within Gruppo Campari including chief operating officer for Campari North America.
Perego remains a member of the Bacardi global leadership team reporting into Bacardi Limited CEO Mike Dolan.
