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Absolut set for US growth under new CEO
Paul Duffy, the former CEO of Pernod Ricard USA, has begun his new role as CEO of The Absolut Company.
Paul Duffy, Absolut’s new CEO, intends to grow the vodka brand in its core US market
As reported by The Spirits Business in June, Duffy’s move into the role, based at the company’s headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, was a result of the retirement of Lionel Breton, former chief executive of Pernod Ricard’s Martell Mumm Perrier-Jouet.
As a result of his departure, former Absolut CEO Philippe Guettat was promoted to his place, with Duffy promoted to replace Guettat.
Duffy, who has also spent time working as CEO for Irish Distillers at Pernod Ricard, said his experience with the French drinks group would be beneficial to the company’s growth strategy for brands such as Absolut vodka.
“With my experience from the US, which is the biggest market for Absolut vodka, Malibu and Kahlúa, I hope that I will be able to contribute to the further success of our brands there, as well as in the rest of the world,” he said. “Together with our team, I want to make sure that our global brand ideas are relevant to the local markets.”
Duffy took up the new position in September 2012.
Absolut is the world’s fourth largest vodka brand, having sold 100 million litres during the 2011/12 financial year.