Applbaum will depart on August 31, 2019 but will remain affiliated with the company as a special advisor to the Board of Directors of Bacardi International Limited, which oversees the development of the company’s portfolio of brands.
“We wish Lee all the very best in what will undoubtably be an exciting next chapter in his successful career,” said CEO Mahesh Madhavan. “Lee is a brilliant marketer and brand builder and we thank him for his longtime leadership at Patrón and more recently, his work creating a new and prolific marketing and creative platform for Grey Goose which has invigorated the brand and shows fantastic promise right out of the gate.”
“It has been a true honor to work on these two iconic brands, which has been the most fulfilling years of my career,” added Applbaum.
“I remain a passionate evangelist for our brands and look forward to staying connected to the company and our people through my work as a special advisor. I now have the extraordinary privilege to pursue my personal passions in business and life and spend time with our only child in the handful of fleeting years before he leaves for college.”
According to Madhavan, Bacardi has initiated a search for Applbaum’s replacement. The company expects to focus on external candidates who will work closely with global CMO John Burke and serve on the Bacardi Global Leadership Team.
