French spirits company Pernod Ricard has announced the new structure of its US unit, making several changes at the senior management levels.
According to Pernod Ricard's chairman and CEO Alex Ricard, the US marketing team, which is reorganised into a series of brand units, will be reporting to senior vice president Pierre Berard.
The reorganised commercial team will take "a clear state focus, creating four single-state market entities, three multi-state divisions and a dedicated chains division, and supported by a route-to-market 'center of excellence.'".
Jeff Agdern, who is currently serving as Pernod USA's senior vice president (SVP) for wines & Champagnes segment will become SVP for new brand ventures, an incubation unit for brand-building.
Agdern will be replaced by James Slack, who is currently the vice president of marketing division at Pernod Ricard China.
Dan Denisoff, who is serving as operations senior vice president will quit Pernod USA on 30 June and Jim Stanski, VP, operations for Hiram Walker in Canada, will take additional responsibility of handling the US unit.
Jim will continue to report to Patrick O'Driscoll, CEO, Corby, who reports to Paul Duffy, CEO Pernod Ricard North America.
Absolut Elyx CEO Jonas Tahlin will join the board of Pernod USA executive committee from 1 July but continue to retain his current title and responsibilities.
Pernod Ricard Chairman and CEO Alexandre Ricard said: "Winning in the USA is a top priority for Pernod Ricard. We must win in this battleground to deliver our Group mid-term topline 4 to 5% growth objective."
Under the new marketing structure, Absolut and Beefeater will come under a division, while The Glenlivet, Redbreast, Midleton and Powers will function as another division.
Jameson and Altos; Malibu, Kahlua and Seagram's will make up one grouping, while Avion, Martell, Chivas Regal and Royal Salute, will be under another group
