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Pernod Ricard director defects to Rémy Cointreau
French firm Rémy Cointreau has hired Lee James as managing director for its UK, Ireland and Nordic operations.
James makes the move to Rémy Cointreau from fellow French spirits company Pernod Ricard, where he worked for close to two decades in a variety of senior sales and marketing roles.
At Pernod Ricard, he was UK commercial director for wine and Champagne between 2009 and 2012; he then held senior positions based in London and Sydney on the wine side of the business.
For the past five years, James has been based in London as global commercial director for Pernod Ricard’s premium and gin portfolio. In this position, he was responsible for the export and development of the gin portfolio around the world and the UK gin brand homes.
At Rémy Cointreau, James will be tasked with overseeing the company’s portfolio in the UK, Ireland and Nordic markets, with spirits brands that include its flagship Cognac Rémy Martin, as well as Cointreau, Mount Gay Rum, Bruichladdich and The Botanist Gin.
The company noted James’ ‘wealth of experience’ within the UK and global drinks industry as an asset, especially considering his prior work with premium and luxury products.
Ian McLernon, CEO for Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa and global travel retail at Rémy Cointreau, said: “We are delighted to welcome Lee to the Rémy Cointreau Group, and are confident that his significant experience in the sector globally and in the UK and people-centric leadership style will help build our business to the next level.
“The UK is the number-three premium spirits market worldwide and with our portfolio of exceptional spirits, we believe we are well-positioned to continue to grow ahead of the market and generate value for our retail and distribution partners.”
In its first quarter of 2024-2025 results, Rémy Cointreau saw sales drop by 15.6%. The company, however, predicted a gradual recovery for the rest of the year.
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