Pernod Ricard, Paris, announced organizational changes that include the creation of a new brand company called Premium Wine Brands, the organization of all the group’s international vodka brands under The Absolut Co. and the formation of a new region covering Sub-Saharan Africa.
The new Premium Wine Brands is in charge of the global strategy and acceleration of the international development of the group’s strategic wine brands within the Pernod Ricard distribution network. The portfolio includes: Australian wines (Jacob’s Creek), New Zealand wines (Montana and Brancott) and Spanish and Argentinean wine brands (Campo Viejo and Graffigna). Jean-Christophe Coutures, who is currently chairman and chief executive officer of Pernod Ricard Pacific, became chairman and chief executive officer of Premium Wine Brands, and will report to Thierry Billot, managing director of brands.
The Absolut Co. now brings together all the vodka brands of the group, such as the Absolut, Friis and Wyborowa brands, with an international outlook. Its objective is to establish the group’s strategy for the entire vodka segment. In addition, The Absolut Co. retains the responsibility for the Malibu and Kahlúa brands. Stéphane Longuet, currently vice president finance of The Absolut Co., was appointed chief operating officer of the Standard Vodka division of The Absolut Co. and will report to Philippe Guettat, chairman and chief executive officer of The Absolut Co. Rolf Cassergren was appointed vice president finance at The Absolut Co.
The new Pernod Ricard Sub-Saharan Africa will be a direct subsidiary of Pernod Ricard Europe with the objective of accelerating the group’s development in the region. Henry Carew, currently managing director of Pernod Ricard Southern Central Europe will be appointed managing director, Pernod Ricard Sub-Saharan Africa, effective Oct. 1, and will report to Laurent Lacassagne, chairman and chief executive officer of Pernod Ricard Europe. His replacement will be announced at a later date.
