Pernod appoints Our/Vodka commercial director

Pepijn Janssens has been appointed international commercial director at Pernod Ricard-owned “global and local” vodka brand Our/Vodka as it seeks sales expansion in new markets.

Pepijn Janssens has been appointed international commercial director at Our/Vodka

A senior sales and distribution executive, Janssens has previously worked across continents for companies including Diageo, Nestle, PMI, Castle Brands, Luxco and Freixenet.

Most recently, Janssens held the international commercial director role at MAS Wines & Spirits, where he tripled the company’s turnover in less than two years.

Åsa Caap, founder & CEO of Our/Vodka, said: ”When we opened the first distillery in Berlin back in 2013, we started to get international sales requests almost immediately. We wanted to add more distilleries to the family before exploring this further. With five distilleries, and four more on its way, we believe the timing is just right to bring Pepijn Janssens on board.

”We are more than happy to welcome Pepijn to our global team as international commercial director. His profile combined with his network as well as his energy makes him a perfect fit for us.”

Janssens added: “When I first encountered the Our/Vodka project I immediately felt connected to its DNA. I am delighted to join the journey of a unique ‘glocal’ spirit brand that aims to be disruptive in every aspect.

“It is my personal belief that the vodka category is in search of a soul and that Our/Vodka offers exactly that.”

The Our/Vodka brand encompasses a network of distilleries, with five currently in operation. Berlin, Seattle, Detroit, Amsterdam and London are currently in production, with Los Angeles, Miami and New York set to come on line in 2016. A ninth is planned for Houston in 2017.