Marketing chief takes on 5 UDV global brands

Guinness UDV has appointed senior North American executive Chris Britton as global marketing director for its Baileys, Tanqueray, Jose Cuervo, Archers and Pimm’s No 1 brands.

Britton’s role is new, and is the first time the Diageo-owned company has handed global marketing responsibility for the brands to one person.

Britton’s responsibilities include talent development and marketing innovation. He reports to president of global marketing, sales and innovation Rob Malcolm.

Britton worked as international brand director for Baileys from 1995 to 1998 at United Distillers and Vintners, before its merger with Guinness in July 2000.

In December 2001, Britton was appointed as president of Guinness UDV North America South-west.

The appointment comes as Chris Nadin announces his retirement as international brand director for Jose Cuervo, after 38 years with Guinness UDV and its predecessors. Nadin has not yet been replaced.

Nadin was marketing director for Smirnoff from 1987 to 1991. In 1991, he was seconded from Guinness UDV to run Duchy Originals on behalf of Prince Charles.

Nadin will continue to chair the Government’s Foresight Food Chain Communications taskforce at the Department of Trade and Industry.