Pernod Ricard consolidates French HR teams

Pernod Ricard is continuing to consolidate back office functions in France by merging the human resources departments of its Ricard SA and Pernod SA brand owning and distribution units.

Stéphane Dehlinger will oversee the newly consolidated HR team for Pernod SA and Ricard SA

Described as a “further step in the mutualisation of back office functions in French market entities”, the move will see Ricard and Pernod’s HR teams regrouped into a single department from 1 April.

Pernod Ricard said the consolidation was part of its cost-cutting programme Project Allegro, but will not result in any job losses.

Stéphane Dehlinger, currently human resources director of Ricard SA, has been appointed human resources director of the two companies.

Based in Marseille, he will become member of the executive team and will report to Philippe Savinel, chairman and CEO.

François Patschkowski, currently human resources director of Pernod SA, will take on the role of human resources director at Martell Mumm Perrier-Jouët.

Based in Paris, he will be a member of MMPJ’s executive team, and will report to César Giron, chairman and CEO.

Pernod Ricard, which has been implementing its Project Allegro scheme since 2014, also announced further changes to its HR team.

Eric Douvier, currently HR director for Martell Mumm Perrier-Jouët, has been appointed HR director of the Pernod Ricard Asia region, reporting to Philippe Guettat, Pernod Ricard Asia chairman and CEO.

He replaces Bernard Coulaty, VP human resources of Pernod Ricard Asia, who has decided to leave Pernod Ricard after 15 years at the group.

In February 2014 Pernod Ricard launched “operational efficiency programme” Project Allegro, which aims to save the company €150m over three years.

Later that year, the group said it plans to reduce its workplace by 5% under Allegro, a move that will see 900 jobs cut across the globe, with 100 jobs axed in France alone.