Pernod announces slew of appointments and promotions

By Mathew Lyons

Published: 14 October, 2015

Pernod Ricard has announced a number of key new appointments.

In Asia, Xavier Beysecker has been appointed vice president, digital for Pernod Ricard Asia.

Digital is a key area of focus for the group as it moves from a brand-focused approach to a consumer-centric strategy under the leadership of new chairman and chief executive Alexandre Ricard.

Asia - and in particular China and India - is vital to the group's ambitions. The two territories are respectively the world's first and second largest market for spirits. Together they account for 910 million cases a year.

Two of Pernod's Indian whiskies - Imperial Blue and Royal Stag - are among the five fastest growing brands in the world.

Beysecker's role will be to ensure that the group's digital strategy in Asia aligns with the group's global vision. His remit embraces customer- and employee-facing digital solutions, as well as those dedicated to the consumer.

Beysecker joined the group as marketing manager for Pernod in 1998 after six years at Nestlé. His most recent position was vice president, marketing for Absolut.

Beysecker's replacement at Absolut will be Craig Johnson, who is currently vice president, marketing for Malibu and Kahlua at The Absolut Company. Johnson joined Pernod Ricard in 2004 from Allied Domecq.

Johnson's role at Malibu and Kahlua will be taken by Colin Kavanagh. Kavanagh moves to the position from Pernod Ricard Brasil where he is marketing director.

The global drinks group is determined to claim the world number one position from its becalmed rival Diageo. It owns 19 of the world's top 100 brands.

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