Allied retail chief lands top UDV job

Allied Domecq’s Syl Saller replaces Tony Scouller as top United Distillers & Vinters marketer

United Distillers & Vintners (UDV) has hired former Allied Domecq retail chief Syl Saller to fill one of the most high profile jobs in the spirits industry – marketing director of its UK operations.

Saller replaces Tony Scouller, who retired in June.

She will be responsible for strategic planning, new brand development, media buying and consumer insight, reporting to UDV UK managing director Don Goulding.

Saller, who began her marketing career at Gillette, is a former vice-president of marketing at Allied Domecq’s US sandwich chain Togo’s.

She came to the UK in January to become marketing and development director of Allied’s retail operation, based in Burton-on-Trent. Saller left a month ago following the sale of its pub retail division to Punch Taverns.

Goulding says: “UDV UK has ambitious plans to drive the growth of our brands, and the spirits category. The marketing director is an absolutely vital appointment. Saller brings a wealth of experience in strategic marketing, general management, consumer insight and on-trade and off-trade knowledge, and she will play a key role.”

Saller takes up her post early next month at UDV’s Harlow headquarters.

UDV is part of global food and drinks giant Diageo. Its portfolio includes Smirnoff vodka, Gordon’s Gin, Johnnie Walker whisky and Jose Cuervo tequila.

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