Bacardi CFO latest to leave drinks group

Bacardi’s chief financial officer is the latest senior executive to leave the global drinks group, following a string of departures this month.

Kevin McNamara has become the new Bacardi CFO following the departure of Joseph Schena

The Bermuda-based rum producer has announced group CFO Joseph Schena has left the company “for another opportunity” after two years in the role.

His departure follows that of North America president Robert Furniss-Roe and US sales director Derek Hopkins earlier this month.

Furniss-Roe had been hotly tipped to succeed Ed Shirley as group CEO, who announced intentions to retire earlier this year following two years in the role.

Replacing Schena in the role of CFO is Kevin McNamara, who served most recently as corporate controller for Bacardi.

McNamara joined the group in March 2013 from food and merchandise provider Centreplate, where he held the role of chief financial and administration officer following a 25-year career in strategic and financial planning.

Michael Dolan, interim CEO of the group, said: “Bacardi prides itself of [sic] the caliber of its employees. The internal appointment of Kevin continues to showcase the strong talent within the company.

“I look forward to Kevin continuing his leadership in providing guidance on our strategic long-term global accounting, reporting and forecasting practices.”

McNamara will report directly into Dolan, as well as to a newly-created role of executive vice-president and chief administration officer, who will be announced in “the next few months”.