Chivas Brothers appoints international marketer

Chivas Brothers has appointed Martell Mumm Perrier-Jouet marketing director Eric Benoist as its international marketing director.

Both companies are subsidiaries of drinks company Pernod Ricard.

Benoist replaces Martin Riley, who has been promoted to the top marketing job at Pernod Ricard (MW last week).

Benoist will report to Chivas Brothers chairman and chief executive Christian Porta. Benoist first joined the company in 1993 as marketing manager for non-alcoholic drinks. He was promoted to marketing director of Pernod Ricard Asia before becoming president and chief executive of Pernod Ricard Japan nine years ago.

Benoist moved to France in 2003 as marketing director of brandy Martell, and two years later was promoted to marketing director of Martell Mumm Perrier-Jouet.

As international marketing director of Chivas Brothers, Benoist will be tasked with the advertising and promotion of brands including Chivas Regal, Clan Campbell, The Glenlivet and Something Special. Chivas Brothers was set up by Pernod Ricard in December 2001 following its acquisition of the Chivas Regal whisky brand in order to house its Scotch whisky business. The division is one of three UK-based Pernod companies.

Riley takes over as vice-president of marketing from Jean-Paul Richard, who is retiring from the company after 35 years, having joined following the merger of rival French alcohol brands Pernod and Ricard.

As part of the restructure, Anne-Clair Rodary, currently senior marketing category director at Pernod Ricard, will replace Benoist.

She will report to Lionel Breton, chairman and chief executive of the division and be a member of the management committee.