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Spirits Europe welcomes new director general and president

Trade body Spirits Europe has appointed Ulrich Adam to take over from Paul Skehan as its director general, at the same time naming Christian Porta as its new president.

Ulrich Adam

Prior to joining Spirits Europe, Adam worked as head of the European Agricultural Machinery Association (CEMA) for five years, and before that he was head of the Food and Consumer Affairs Practice for the Brussels office of Hill & Knowlton Strategies.

Paul Skehan announced his resignation as director general of Spirits Europe in September this year. He will join Pepsico as its senior director of public policy, government affairs and communications.

“I salute the legacy of Paul Skehan and the team and I look forward to addressing the opportunities and challenges facing the sector from Brexit, alcohol-related harm, consumer information or market access across the globe,” said Adam.

Christian Porta

“It is my ambition to work with our new president, staff, membership, stakeholders and EU institutions on the commitments made by the large and small distillers and to promote policies that deliver economic growth and jobs in the European regions where our production is deeply and firmly rooted.”

Joep Stassen has also come to the end of his two-year period as president of Spirits Europe and will be succeeded by Christian Porta, chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard EMEA and LATAM.

“From farm to glass, spirits are an essential part of Europe’s tradition and culture of quality, pleasure and conviviality,” commented Porta.

“My main objective will be to drive home to the European institutions the legitimate interests of the spirits sector as a proud contributor to Europe’s excellence that remains committed to promoting responsible drinking and sustainable growth.”

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