Marie Brizard names global travel retail director
Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits has appointed Kevin Baker as global travel retail director as part of the firm’s “BIG 2018” (Back in the Game) strategy.
Kevin Baker has been appointed global travel retail director for Marie Brizard Wine & SpiritsBaker will be responsible for developing and building a travel retail business for the company and managing Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits’ Middle East region.
Formerly known as Belvedere Group, Marie Brizard underwent a total company restructure throughout 2014.
Baker said: “Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits is embarking on an exciting new strategy for travel retail with a strong portfolio of both established and innovative new brands including Cognac Gautier (voted World’s Best Cognac), Sobieski Estate Vodka, Marie Brizard Liqueurs, and the recently launched SHOTKA, amongst others.
“Joining Marie Brizard in this very exciting period for the group is a tremendous opportunity for me to exercise all the skills I have gained over the last 30 years – many of which have been in travel retail.
“I am very much looking forward to taking part in the challenge and catching up with old friends, colleagues and sparring partners in Cannes next month.”
Baker has been working in the spirits industry for 30 years and boasts a 20-year career in global and regionals sales and marketing with Brown-Forman and Diageo.
Among his most recent posts, Baker was global head of liquor and head of category Europe for liquor, tobacco and technology for The Nuance Group in Zurich.
Prior to this, he worked in a director position with distributor World of Patria International, where he was tasked with developing distribution of the company’s premium brands.
