Alain Barbet Promoted to Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard Americas PURCHASE, N.Y., June 27
PURCHASE, N.Y., June 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Pernod Ricard USA, a leader in
spirits and wine, today announced the appointment of Paul Duffy as Chairman
and CEO. He replaces Alain Barbet, who has been promoted to Chairman and CEO
of Pernod Ricard Americas. Both appointments were made by the Group Executive
Committee of parent company Pernod Ricard SA and are effective July 1, 2008.
Duffy, 42, most recently was CEO and Chairman of the Pernod Ricard
brand-owning company Irish Distillers, where he has overseen the successful
development of the Irish business and of Jameson(R) Irish Whiskey as one of
the world's fastest growing whiskey brands. He joined Pernod Ricard in 1994
and brings the relevant skills and track record to lead Pernod Ricard USA into
its next phase of growth, following the recent acquisition of Vin & Sprit,
including its iconic Absolut(R) vodka brand. Duffy will be based in Purchase,
New York.
As Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard Americas, Barbet, 50, will be
responsible for all of Pernod Ricard's distributing companies in both North
America and South America. Barbet joined Pernod Ricard in 1999, and his deep
industry knowledge and experience will position him for success in his new
role. Since assuming the leadership of Pernod Ricard USA in 2005, Barbet led
the successful post-acquisition integration of the former Allied Domecq brands
and employees and, during this time, Pernod Ricard USA spirits and wines
recorded accelerated growth, with many brands outperforming their categories.
Barbet will be based in Montreal, Canada. He replaces Michel Bord, who has
been named Deputy Managing Director, Pernod Ricard SA, in charge of the
company's global distribution network.
About Pernod Ricard USA:
Pernod Ricard USA is a leading premium spirits and wine company and the
largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA, the co-leader of
the global spirits and wine industry. In March 2008, Pernod Ricard purchased
Vin & Sprit, including its iconic Absolut(R) vodka brand; following the
closing of the acquisition, which is expected to occur during Summer, 2008,
Pernod Ricard USA will be the number two spirits company in the United States
by both volume and value. The company is based in Purchase, New York, and has
over 900 employees across the country. Pernod Ricard USA is primarily focused
on the high margin premium segment of the industry and has a leading premium
brand in virtually all key spirits and wine categories. The company's
portfolio includes such leading brands as The Glenlivet(R) Single Malt Scotch
Whisky, Chivas Regal(R) Scotch Whisky, Jameson(R) Irish Whiskey, Wild
Turkey(R) Bourbon, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin(R), Beefeater(R) Gin, Martell(TM)
Cognac, Malibu(R) flavored Rum, Kahlua(R) Liqueur, Hiram Walker(TM) Liqueurs,
Pernod(R) and Ricard(R) Liquors, as well as Jacob's Creek(R) and Brancott
Estate(R) wines, Perrier Jouet(R) Champagne, Mumm(R) Champagne and Mumm
Napa(TM) wines.
Pernod Ricard USA is focused on out-performance and leverages its strong
culture built on entrepreneurial spirit, integrity, commitment and
conviviality to deliver profitable growth. The company has a clear strategy
to maximize the potential of its premium brands and take advantage of market
opportunities - by being close to the consumer and distributors, Pernod Ricard
USA drives excellence in creativity, marketing (both on- and off-premise),
innovation and premiumization.
Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and
has an active campaign to promote responsible drinking. For more information
on this, please visit: www.acceptresponsibility.org.
Biographies:
Paul Duffy, 42, BBS Trinity College, FCA, joined Pernod Ricard as
Assistant Finance Director Treasury / Planning of Irish Distillers Limited. In
January 1996, he was appointed Financial Controller Irish Distillers Group,
and became its Finance Director in March 1997. In January 2001 he was
appointed Chairman & CEO of Pernod Ricard UK. Since May 2005, Paul has been
Chairman & CEO of Irish Distillers Group.
Alain Barbet, 50, has a diploma from the ESSEC Business School, and has
followed the Senior Executive Program of Columbia University. He entered the
Group in 1999 in the Financial Department of Austin Nichols, today Pernod
Ricard USA, becoming its Financial Director, and subsequently was named
Finance Director, Pernod Ricard North America. He was appointed President and
Chief Operating Officer of Pernod Ricard USA in 2005, and was named Chief
Executive Officer in 2006.
Michel Bord, 56, joined Pernod Ricard in 1991 as Managing Director of
PRACSA (subsidiary of the company in Spain) after having held various managing
positions at Seagram. He was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Pernod Ricard USA in October 1996 before becoming Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Pernod Ricard North America. Since January 2006, he has been
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pernod Ricard Americas.
CONTACTS:
Jack Shea
Pernod Ricard USA
VP, Corporate Communications
914-848-4787
Jack.Shea@pernod-ricard-usa.com
John Dudzinsky
Taylor Rafferty
Media Contact
212-889-4350
John.Dudzinsky@taylor-rafferty.com
SOURCE Pernod Ricard USA
