John Kristin “Kris” Sirchio will take up the post from November 16, 2009. As chief marketing officer, Sirchio will be a member of Brown-Forman’s senior executive team, reporting to CEO Paul Varga and leading Brown-Forman’s marketing function, including long-term brand strategy, brand positioning and primary brand identity, consumer insights, design, innovation, and marketing services.
Sirchio joins Brown-Forman after working the last five years at Syngenta AG, an agribusinesses based in Basel, Switzerland, where his title was global head, professional products.
Varga said: “Kris Sirchio is a hands-on leader with a reputation for strong brand building, marketing, innovation, and team-based success.”
Sirchio will be based at Brown-Forman’s headquarters and he and his family will relocate to Louisville, KY from Basel, Switzerland.
Sirchio succeeds Mark McCallum as Brown-Forman’s chief marketing officer. McCallum was recently promoted to executive vice president and chief operating officer of the company.
Brown-Forman brands include Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia, Canadian Mist, Fetzer, Korbel, Gentleman Jack and Bonterra.