Bacardi appoints global communications boss

Bacardi has appointed a former sports, media and fashion communications expert as its new global chief communications officer.

Jim Gallagher brings over 30 years of experience to his communications role at Bacardi

Jim Gallagher joins the Bermuda-based spirits group from IMG, where he has held the position of vice president of corporate communications since 2007.

With over 30 years experience in communications, Gallagher will lead Bacardi’s internal and external corporate and brand relations in partnership with interim CEO Mike Dolan.

“We are delighted to welcome Jim to the Bacardi team,” said Dolan, who worked with Gallagher at IMG prior to his own appointment in May this year. “With his breadth of business communications and public relations experience at some of the world’s largest companies, Jim will be invaluable as we continue to showcase exciting Bacardi initiatives around the world.”

His appointment follows a string of departures of senior executives from the group in the past few months, including the retirement of former CEO Ed Shirley in April.

While Dolan was appointed his provisional replacement, a permanent successor is yet to be announced.

Since Shirley’s departure, Bacardi has also lost North America president Robert Furniss-Roe, and group CFO Joseph Schena.