Cask Liquid Marketing names new managing director

Claire West, former Pernod Ricard head of prestige, has joined Cask Liquid Marketing as managing director.

Claire West has joined Cask Liquid Marketing as managing director

In her new role, West will be responsible for overseeing the agency’s development as well as the presence, visibility and activation of Cask Liquid Marketing’s UK portfolio.

She will support Cask’s brand owners, Stuart Ekins and Richard Herbert, with finding new business opportunities, areas of growth for existing brands, and ensuring successful sales and development across the on- and off-trade.

Ekins, owner and director at Cask Liquid Marketing, said: “The appointment of Claire as our managing director is fantastic. She will bring a wealth of experience in both selling and marketing luxury brands at the very highest level.

“Cask will benefit immeasurably in terms of both its development and growth, with someone of Claire’s stature at the helm.

“The business is strong and ambitious, and we expect to not only drive our existing portfolio to the next level, but to also attract some of the best brands in the world into our current stable.

“From a personal perspective, Claire has been a friend for over 20 years and also a business partner for 11 of those, so I am genuinely delighted for her to be joining Cask, and helping us to forge a positive future together.”

West had previously worked for Pernod Ricard, joining the French drinks group in 2007. She worked across several roles within the commercial team, before taking up the post of head of prestige in 2014.

Before joining Pernod Ricard, West held the position of group operations director for The Breakfast Group, where she was tasked with looking after nine bars, restaurants and clubs.

In 2017, West was made a Keeper of the Quaich.

She added: “Cask has a wonderful portfolio of brands and an ambitious campaign for growth. I am very much looking forward to playing my part in this next chapter of its dynamic story.”