Pernod Ricard creates top-ranking jobs in ongoing marketing revamp

Drinks giant Pernod Ricard UK has continued its marketing shake-up with the creation of three senior marketing positions and a significant expansion of the company’s marketing department.

Chris Seale, previously marketing manager at Jacob’s Creek, now becomes head of marketing for wines. Adriaan Eksteen, formerly marketing manager at Martell, becomes head of marketing at Cognac and light spirits. James Slack, previously marketing manager at Jameson, is now head of marketing for whiskies. All three will take charge of expanded teams of marketing and brand managers.

They will report to marketing director Mark Davis. He was formerly marketing director for spirits, but in June took on the responsibilities of wines marketing director Sophie Gallois after she was made brands director of super premium brands at sister company Chivas Brothers (MW June 27). Chivas Brothers is the global Scotch whisky company formed after the purchase by Pernod Ricard of Seagram’s wine and spirits business.

Pernod Ricard’s wine brands include the UK’s best-selling wine Jacob’s Creek, as well as Sandemans port and Heidseick Monopole champagne. Whisky brands include Jameson, the best-selling Irish whiskey, luxury Scotch brand Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet, Bushmills, Black Bush and Wild Turkey.

Other spirits brands include Martell, the UK’s best-selling cognac, Pernod, Havana Club rum, Wyborowa vodka and Dubonnet aperitif.