Subscriber login Close [x]
remember me
You are not logged in.

McKeon takes over at Jim Beam's new UK office

Published:  23 July, 2008

Adrian McKeon, the former head of Allied Domecq's wine arm, has been appointed managing director at Jim Beam UK, the new UK division of Fortune Brands, Pernod Ricard's partner in the break-up of Allied Domecq.

McKeon will be looking after a portfolio of spirits that includes the eponymous bourbon, Courvoisier Cognac, Harveys Bristol Cream, Cockburn's Port and Teacher's Scotch whisky.

Before joining Allied - where McKeon increased case sales by 44% and earnings by 27% - McKeon worked for the big three' wine companies at various times in his career: Gallo, Southcorp and Constellation Wines.

Jim Beam Brands decided to set up a full UK arm after the addition of a number of Allied's spirits brands gave them sufficient volumes in the UK.

McKeon's new job won't cause him too much upheaval, since the company will be based in the old Allied Domecq offices

in Horsham, East Sussex.

Jim Beam's existing distribution deal with Maxxium - which is co-owned by Fortune, The Edrington Group, Rmy Cointreau and the V&S Group - will continue for the foreseeable future', according to a spokesperson.

McKeon commented: The creation of Jim Beam UK offers us a unique opportunity to reassess our business practice with a view to achieving even greater success in the UK.'

Keywords: