Managing director quits at Remy UK

Remy UK has lost managing director Paul Mills just four months after his appointment in the company’s third shake-up of senior management this year.

It is also understood to have promoted marketing manager Terry Barker to the vacant post of marketing director.

Mills was made head of the UK operation after UK managing director Mick McDonough was moved sideways to head Remy Ireland (MW April 17). Mills worked from the Remy head office in Paris, where he was managing director for Europe North-west.

The company says Mills has left “to pursue other interests”. It is understood to be close to naming his replacement.

Remy would neither confirm nor deny Terry Barker’s appointment as marketing director, though observers say he was given the post last week. He replaces Dominic Ebery, who left to become marketing director for fashion at retail group Facia (MW July 7).

Ebery was previously a marketing manager at Remy and took over as marketing director from Alan Moss, who was moved to the Asian division in February.

The company, which distributes Remy Martin, Cointreau, and Campari spirits brands and Piper Heidsieck champagne, has been a victim of poor UK spirits sales. It has struggled to establish a clear strategy, and has cut back on marketing in favour of a sales-based strategy.