Pernod Ricard promotes two senior executives

French drinks group Pernod Ricard has promoted two of its senior UK executives as the firm continues its efforts to “shape the nation’s drinking experiences”.

Simon van Moppes has been appointed as Pernod Ricard group on-trade director

Simon van Moppes, commercial director, spirits at Pernod Ricard UK, has been appointed as group on-trade director at the company, and will report to Thibaut De Poutier, executive vice president, commercial development of Pernod Ricard.

In addition, the group’s current commercial director of wines at Pernod Ricard UK, Chris Ellis, will be promoted to the position of commercial director, Pernod Ricard UK, where he will be in chard of wines and spirits and report to Denis O’Flynn.

“Simon’s appointment as group on-trade director is well deserved following eight years in the UK business in a variety of on- and off-trade commercial roles,” commented Denis O’Flynn, managing director of Pernod Ricard UK.

“Chris’s expanded role reflects his contribution to the commercial team in wines and spirits over the past 10 years.

“I wish them every success in their new positions as we continue to shape the nation’s drinking experiences in the UK.”

In October, Pernod Ricard reported a return to growth for the first quarter of its current financial year as it recovers from significant sales declines in China last year due to the Chinese government’s on-going anti-corruption campaign.