Pernod Ricard in executive shake up

Pernod Ricard has announced a consolidation of its executive roles with the promotion of two of its directors, Simon Van Moppes and Chris Ellis.

Simon Van Moppes (Photo: Pernod Ricard)

Simon van Moppes, currently commercial director for spirits at Pernod Ricard UK, has been appointed to the role of group on-trade director at Pernod Ricard, effective 1st January 2015. Simon will report to Thibaut De Poutier, executive vice president, commercial development of Pernod Ricard.

With this promotion leaving a vacancy on the UK spirits front, Chris Ellis, currently commercial director fro wines at Pernod Ricard UK, will be appointed to the position of commercial director, with responsibility for both wines and spirits. This will be effective from 1st January 2015. Chris will continue to report to Denis O’Flynn, MD for Pernod Ricard UK.

“Simon’s appointment as group on-trade director is well-deserved following eight years in the UK business in a variety of on and off-trade Commercial roles” said O’Flynn.

“Chris’s expanded role reflects his contribution to the commercial team in wines and spirits over the past 10 years. I wish them every success in their new positions,” he said.

Chris Ellis (Photo: Pernod Ricard)

The shake up comes at a time of steady global improvement for the drinks producer, which lists big brands Absolut vodka, Jameson whiskey and Jacob’s Creek wine in its portfolio.

In the company’s latest financial results published in October, organic growth was up 2% in the six months to September compared to the same period last year, with huge growth in India and steadiness in key European and North American markets.

The company hasn’t been as badly effected by by China’s Cognac slump than rivals Diageo and Rémy Cointreau, as Pernod’s less premium offerings seemingly take the slack from the misfortune of their Martell Cognac brand.