US: Brown-Forman appoints new marketing boss

18 September, 2009

US: Brown-Forman has appointed a new chief marketing officer.

John Kristin “Kris” Sirchio will take up the post from November 16, 2009.  As chief marketing officer, Sirchio will be a member of Brown-Forman’s senior executive team, reporting to CEO Paul Varga and leading Brown-Forman’s marketing function, including long-term brand strategy, brand positioning and primary brand identity, consumer insights, design, innovation, and marketing services.

Sirchio joins Brown-Forman after working the last five years at Syngenta AG, an agribusinesses based in Basel, Switzerland, where his title was global head, professional products.

Varga said: “Kris Sirchio is a hands-on leader with a reputation for strong brand building, marketing, innovation, and team-based success.”

Sirchio will be based at Brown-Forman’s headquarters and he and his family will relocate to Louisville, KY from Basel, Switzerland.

Sirchio succeeds Mark McCallum as Brown-Forman’s chief marketing officer.  McCallum was recently promoted to executive vice president and chief operating officer of the company.

Brown-Forman brands include Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia, Canadian Mist, Fetzer, Korbel, Gentleman Jack and Bonterra.