Bacardi names new Europe regional president

Bacardi has appointed a new regional president of Europe – Francis Debeuckelaere, who will take up the position with immediate effect.

Francis Debeuckelaere is Bacardi’s new regional president of Europe

Debeuckelaere succeeds Mahesh Madhavan, who in March 2017 was named as the successor to Bacardi CEO Mike Dolan, who revealed plans to retire earlier this year. Madhavan will step into the role in 2018.

“There is no one better qualified than Francis to take on this important regional role for the company,” said Dolan. “Over 23 years, Francis has repeatedly proven his ability to lead teams to success in the marketplace, most recently as vice president and managing director for Northern Europe.”

Debeuckelaere will be based in Geneva, Switzerland, and act as a member of the global leadership team. Before joining Bacardi, he worked in marketing with Nestlé and brewer Alken-Maes.

Debeuckelaere holds a Bachelor’s degree in philosophy, a Master’s in Roman languages and an MBA from the University of Leuven in Belgium. He is fluent in Dutch, English, French, German and Spanish.

“I love the company and this business, so naturally it is a great honour to be given this fantastic opportunity,” he said. “These are exciting times for Europe and for Bacardi.

“We have an enviable portfolio of brands and an extraordinarily talented team.”