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Spirits Europe director general resigns
Ulrich Adam will leave his post as director general of Spirits Europe in March after seven years in the position, the trade body has announced.
Adam leaves the organisation having been appointed director general of another unnamed industry association in Brussels.
He will continue to serve as director general in an ‘acting’ capacity until 18 March 2025, as the trade group searches for his successor.
Adam joined the trade body in 2017, after taking over from Paul Skehan as its director general.
Before Spirits Europe, he worked as head of the European Agricultural Machinery Association (CEMA) for five years and he also previously held the position as head of the Food and Consumer Affairs Practice for the Brussels office of Hill & Knowlton Strategies.
Addressing his exit, Adam left a statement on LinkedIn, which read: “After seven wonderful years leading the secretariat of Spirits Europe I have decided it’s time to move on to a new professional adventure. The past years have been an amazing journey.”
Last year, Adam expressed that Spirits Europe was “very disappointed” by the announcement of China’s provisional tariffs on Europe’s brandy producers, and also spoke of the “significant financial burden” they would face should the tariffs come into effect.
Adam was also vocal on EU packaging rules for spirits, voicing concern that under the European Parliament’s Committee on Environment (ENVI) revised provisions, intellectual property (IP) rights for packaging could be ‘insufficiently protected’.
‘Deep gratitude’
Adam continued: “I look back in deep gratitude for having had the opportunity to help steer this unique sector through what turned out to be turbulent times: whether dealing with tariffs, labels, taxes, more or less strong scientific studies, GI/IP protection issues or getting the new ‘787’ EU Spirits Drinks Regulation over the line – there’s never a dull day in spirits!
“The fact that Europe’s spirits sector is such a success story is not a ‘given’ – it’s the result of passionate people working together every day with an unmatched commitment to quality and innovation to make the iconic products that are at the heart of it all.
“And, in terms of EU policy-making and regulation, it comes with the shared vision to be a proactive, constructive and responsible actor in Brussels.
“Above all, spirits is a social and convivial sector that is about bringing people together. I am grateful for the many wonderful people I have met and the deep connections I have made. To all of you who have helped support the sector and worked with the organisation over the past years, my heartfelt thanks.”
Spirits Europe also thanked Adam for his “commitment and contributions” since joining the trade group.
“The board and membership are grateful for Ulrich’s commitment and contributions in the past years and would like to wish him all the best for his next steps,” the trade body said, confirming that it had started the search for his replacement.
“Under the direct supervision of the president and the board, the day-to-day work and activities of the association and the secretariat will continue as usual,” Spirits Europe added.
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