Pernod Ricard today announced several senior management changes effective September 1, including promotions for two top executives currently at Pernod Ricard USA.
Paul Duffy, Chairman and CEO, Pernod Ricard USA, has been appointed Chairman and CEO, The ABSOLUT Company, based in Stockholm, Sweden. Duffy, who also was named to the Pernod Ricard Group Executive Committee, succeeds Philippe Guettat, who has been named Chairman and CEO, Mumm Martell Perrier Jouet Company, replacing Lionel Breton, who is retiring.
Bryan Fry, currently President and CEO, Pernod Ricard Brazil, will succeed Duffy at Pernod Ricard USA. Fry will be replaced by Thibault Cuny, currently Chief Financial Officer, Pernod Ricard USA. Fry and Cuny will report to Philippe Dreano, Chairman and CEO, Pernod Ricard Americas. Replacing Cuny at Pernod Ricard USA will be John Nicodemo, currently Chief Operating Officer, Pernod Ricard Korea.
In his new role, Duffy will assume global responsibility for the marketing, production and commercial development of Absolut Vodka, Malibu Rum and Kahlua. His experience in the U.S. market – which represents roughly 40 percent of The Absolut Company’s global business – will offer significant benefit. “I’m looking forward to building on the momentum we’ve established for Absolut and Malibu in the U.S., and to stepping up our turnaround plans for Kahlua,” Duffy said.
Duffy added: “My new assignment, and the related move of Thibault Cuny, represent a vote of confidence from Paris in the U.S. business. We’ve produced strong results by increasing investment in our priority brands (which in addition to The ABSOLUT company brands include Jameson, The Glenlivet, Chivas Regal and Perrier Jouet), relentlessly focusing on consumers, creating a powerful route to market and retaining, developing and attracting talented people. And there’s no question that our business will continue to thrive under the experienced, strong leadership of Bryan, John and the rest of our U.S. team.”
Said Fry: “I am thrilled about the opportunity to lead Pernod Ricard’s business in its largest market, where we are a strong challenger. Our rank as the #2 player* in premium spirits** in the U.S., coupled with consumer trends favoring premium brands and our premiumization strategy, bode well for ongoing strong performance. ”Duffy and Cuny will work closely with Fry and Nicodemo during an upcoming transitional period.
Executive Bios:
Paul Duffy has been named Chairman and CEO of The ABSOLUT Company, based in Stockholm, Sweden. Since July, 2008 he has served as Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard USA. Previously, he was CEO and Chairman of the Pernod Ricard Brand Company Irish Distillers, where he oversaw the successful development of the Irish business and of Jameson® Irish Whiskey as one of the world’s fastest growing whiskey brands. He launched his Pernod Ricard career in 1994 at Irish Distillers, where he was promoted to the position of Finance Director before moving to the UK in 2001 to assist with the takeover of part of Seagram. He subsequently was promoted to CEO, Pernod Ricard UK, the UK distribution business of Pernod Ricard, before returning to Irish Distillers in 2005 as CEO. Paul is a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin and is a Chartered Accountant.
Bryan Fry has been named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pernod Ricard USA. Since 2009, he has served as Chairman and CEO, Pernod Ricard Brazil. Fry began his Pernod Ricard career in 1995 as Grower Liaison Officer at the company’s Orlando Wyndham unit in Australia. He subsequently held the role of National Agribusiness Manager (1998-2000), before moving to the Sales and Marketing side to assume the roles of International Regional Manager – Asia/Pacific (2000-2004) and Global Marketing Manager (2004-2006). He subsequently served as VP – Marketing for Pernod Ricard Asia. Bryan is a graduate of Adelaide University, and holds a graduate diploma in Economics from University of New England in Australia.
Thibault Cuny has been named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pernod Ricard Brazil. Since March, 2009 he served as Chief Financial Officer, Pernod Ricard USA. Previously, he was Executive Vice President – Finance at Pernod Ricard South Asia. Thibault joined Pernod Ricard in Paris in October 2003 as Audit and Development Manager, after a few years at Arthur Andersen and Ernst & Young. He is a graduate of Edhec Business School in France.
John Nicodemo has been named Chief Financial Officer, Pernod Ricard USA. Since 2009, he has served as Chief Operating Officer, Pernod Ricard Korea. John held a number of Finance positions within Allied Domecq from 1988 to 1998, and served as CFO of Corby Distilleries from 1998-2008. He subsequently was named Corby’s Chief Operating Officer before assuming his current role. He is a Chartered Accountant with a Master’s degree in Accountancy from the University of Waterloo, Canada.
About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA. In July, 2008, Pernod Ricard completed the acquisition of the iconic ABSOLUT® Vodka brand from the V&S Group.
In addition to ABSOLUT®, Pernod Ricard USA’s leading brands include such prestigious spirits as The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin®, Beefeater® Gin, Plymouth™ Gin, Martell® Cognac, Malibu®, Kahlúa®, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs, Pernod® and Ricard®; such superior wines as Jacob’s Creek® and Brancott Estate®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier Jouët® Champagne, G.H. Mumm™ Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines.
The company is based in Purchase, New York, and has roughly 1,000 employees across the country.
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: <http://www.acceptresponsibility.org/> .
