Pernod Ricard plugs Chivas gap

Pernod Ricard has appointed Eric Benoist, currently marketing director of Martell Mumm Perrier-JouŒt, as marketing director for Chivas Brothers. He replaces Martin Riley (pictured), who has been promoted to its top global marketing role.

Riley will take over as vice-president of marketing from Jean-Paul Richard, who is retiring from the company after 35 years (MW January 22). He will report to Thierry Billot, deputy managing director in charge of brands. The changes come into effect on February 1.

As part of the changes, it has also promoted Anne-Claire Rodary, currently senior marketing category director at Pernod Ricard, to replace Benoist. She will report to Lionel Breton, chairman and chief executive of Martell Mumm Perrier-JouŒt and be a member of the management committee.

Benoist, who will now report to Chivas Brothers chairman and chief executive Christian Porta, joined the group in 1993 as marketing manager for non-alcoholic drinks from Henkel France. In 1997, he was promoted to marketing director of Pernod Ricard Asia before becoming president and chief executive of Pernod Ricard Japan in 2000. He moved to France in 2003 to take up the role of marketing director for Martell and since 2005 has been marketing director of Martell Mumm Perrier-JouŒt.