Pernod Ricard names new general counsel

Ian FitzSimons will step down as general counsel for Pernod Ricard after 16 years in the role.

FitzSimons, who is also a member of the French drinks group’s executive committee and executive board, will be replaced by Chivas Brothers’ general counsel, Amanda Hamilton-Stanley, on 1 September 2018.

Hamilton-Stanley, who joined Allied Domecq as senior legal counsel in 2001 and became senior legal counsel for Pernod Ricard in 2007, will join the group’s executive committee and executive bureau.

“After having led the Legal function for 16 years, a period during which he built a team widely recognised for its expertise, Ian has decided to devote himself to new projects outside the group,” Pernod Ricard said in a statement.

“Pernod Ricard wishes to thank him for his contribution, notably as a key actor in the major acquisitions which have transformed the group during Ian’s tenure as general counsel.”

In February, the group announced a raft of changes to its leadership team that saw new CEOs of Chivas Brothers and Irish Distillers appointed.