Pernod Ricard agrees to sell Becherovka to Maspex

Pernod Ricard has signed an agreement to sell Czech herbal liqueur Becherovka to Poland’s Maspex Group for an undisclosed sum.

Familia Torres begins generational transition process

The advisory board of Familia Torres has agreed to begin a generational transition process in which the current chief executive, Miquel Torres Maczassek, will be appointed president of the company.

Pernod Ricard veteran launches Cognac brand

Guillaume Thomas, veteran Pernod Ricard executive, will launch Martingale Cognac this autumn.

Nemiroff partners with Disaronno in Benelux and launches charity bottling

Ukrainian vodka brand Nemiroff has partnered with Disaronno International for exclusive distribution in the Benelux market.

Código 1530 announces two mezcal releases

Independent tequila brand, Código1530, has announced its entry into the mezcal category with the launch of two mezcal expressions.

Scotch Whisky Association announces new chief executive

The former British ambassador to Argentina will succeed Karen Betts as the chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association.

Jean-Etienne Gourgues: Who is the new chief of Chivas?

Jean-Etienne Gourgues landed one of the top jobs in the Scotch whisky industry when he took over as chairman and chief executive of Chivas Brothers this summer.

Portman Group announces new chief executive

The Portman Group has announced that Matt Lambert will replace John Timothy as chief executive in January 2021.

Quintessential Brands promotes James Lousada to chief executive

Leading gin producer Quintessential Brands has promoted James Lousada to the role of chief executive.

Codorníu appoints new chief executive

Spanish wine producer Codorníu has announced that Sergio Fuster will take over as chief executive in September.

Patrick Ricard dies aged 67

Patrick Ricard the titular head of the Pernod Ricard family, has died. He was 67. Cause of death has not been disclosed but it is believed to be a heart attack.

Change at the top of ProWein

Current project director Danila Avdiu will leave Messe Düsseldorf on December 31, 2012.

SAB Miller announces staff shake-up

SAB Miller has announced a number of directorate and senior management changes that will become effective from the company’s annual general meeting on July 26, 2012.

McLaren Vale appoints new CEO

The McLaren Vale Grape, Wine and Tourism Association (MVGWTA), the generic body that represents growers in the premium wine producing region in south-east Australia, has announced the appointment of a new chief executive officer.

WSTA appoints new chief executive

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association, the lead body for the UK wine and spirits sectors, has announced the appointment of Miles Beale as its new chief executive.

LVMH appoints champagne heads

LVMH has appointed new chief executive officers for its champagne brands Moet & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin.

Russian Standard appoints Palatella in the US

Russian Standard Vodka, which claims to be Russia’s number one premium vodka, has announced the appointment of John Palatella as executive vice president of sales & distribution for the US.

Alcohol Concern loses its CEO

The board of Alcohol Concern, the anti-alcohol lobby group in the UK, has announced a restructuring of its senior management following the loss of core funding with the role of the CEO becoming part time for a year alongside the recruitment of a full time director of fundraising and campaigning.

Morrison Bowmore makes five appointments

Morrison Bowmore Distillers has made five new appointments within its sales and marketing team.

Drambuie restructures after key retirement

Drambuie has announced the appointment of Michael Kennedy as future CEO and added Brendan O’Neill and Jonathan Brown to its board of directors.

Glazer’s appoints COO and VP

US distributors Glazer’s has appointed Robert Swartz as chief operating officer and Phil Meacham as executive vice president malt beverages.

Bacardi appoints presidents

Bacardi has named Jon Grey and Robert Furniss-Roe regional presidents of Middle East and Africa, and Latin America respectively.

Stock makes new appointments

Stock Spirits has made several new appointments to its senior management team.

New SABMiller president for Latin America appointed

SABMiller has appointed Karl Lippert as its new president of Latin America, following the announcement of Barry Smith’s retirement.