Pernod Ricard chairman & CEO, Alexandre Ricard explained: "Winning in the USA is a top priority for Pernod Ricard. We must win in this battleground to deliver our group mid-term topline 4 to 5% growth objective."
As part of the streamlining, Pernod Ricard North America (US and Canada) has been created as a direct Pernod Ricard affiliate and of the new position of chief commercial office, give to Julien Hemard.
The following appointments have been decided at executive committee level, all reporting to Paul Duffy, chairman & CEO of Pernod Ricard North America and CEO of Pernod Ricard USA.
With effect from July 1, Jeff Agdern, currently SVP, Wines & Champagnes, is appointed SVP, New Brand Ventures, Pernod Ricard USA’s soon-to-be-established ‘incubation’ division that will redefine how future growth brands are built.
James Slack, currently VP marketing, Pernod Ricard China, is appointed SVP, Wines & Champagnes, effective September 1. His replacement will be subject to a further announcement.
On July 1, Jonas Tahlin, CEO of Absolut Elyx, will become a member of the Pernod Ricard USA Executive Committee, keeping his current title and responsibilities.
A new position of SVP, Corporate Communications & CSR will be created and a search is currently underway. Jack Shea, VP, Corporate Communications Pernod Ricard USA, will report to this new position. Dan Denisoff, SVP Operations, Pernod Ricard USA, will leave the company on June 30, 2016.
Effective July 1, Jim Stanski, VP Operations, Hiram Walker & Sons. Stanski will take responsibility for the US and Canadian operations. Stanski will continue to report to Patrick O’Driscoll, CEO, Corby, who reports to Paul Duffy, CEO Pernod Ricard North America.
The supply chain, forecasting and planning and procurement teams will report into Guillaume Thomas, CFO, Pernod Ricard USA.
At the same time at Irish Distillers: Louise Ryan, currently strategy & insights director in Irish Distillers, is appointed managing director, Ireland with effect from July 1. Ryan will report to Jean-Christophe Coutures, chairman & CEO of Irish Distillers and will be a member of the Irish Distillers Leadership Team. Ryan will replace Pat Magee, who is appointed general manager – Florida at Pernod Ricard USA at the same date.
Dart’s objectives are said to include:
1/ to continue to create a consumer-centric company by reorganising the marketing team into brand units structured around five key moments of conviviality;
2/ to focus Pernod Ricard USA resources in the field to accelerate decision-making and improve execution in the on- and off-premise. This will happen through the reorganization of the commercial team with a clear State focus, creating four single-state Market Entities, three multi-State Divisions, a dedicated Chains Division and supported by a Route to Market center of excellence;
3/ to stimulate the development of future growth relays by creating a dedicated ‘incubation’ division, the New Brand Ventures department. The company says: “Some significant changes have already been made: implementation of a new route-to-market and more focus on premiumisation and innovation. As a result, Pernod Ricard USA has already started to accelerate its growth in 2015/16.”
