Pernod whisky chief departs for Australia

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Drinks giant Pernod Ricard UK’s head of marketing for whisky brands, James Slack, is leaving the company to go to Australia next month. It is understood that Slack has been replaced internally by the head of marketing for cognac and light spirits, Adriaan Eksteen.

Slack says that his departure is not part of a marketing shake-up, but a personal decision: “I am from New Zealand and am going to Australia after four years with the company, for personal reasons.”

Slack, who reports to the UK marketing director Mark Davis, was made head of marketing for whiskies last year, following a marketing rejig (MW August 22, 2003). At the same time, marketing manager at Jacob’s Creek, Chris Seale, was appointed as the head of marketing for wines.

The French drinks company’s whisky brands include Jameson, Chivas Regal, Glenlivet, Bushmills, Black Bush and Wild Turkey.

Pernod Ricard wine brands include one of the UK’s best-selling brands, Jacob’s Creek. The company’s portfolio also includes Sandemans Port and Heidseick Monopole champagne.

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