Duffy new Absolut boss

Pernod Ricard has announced that Paul Duffy has been appointed chairman & CEO of Absolut.

The Absolut Company is responsible for the manufacturing and marketing of the premium Swedish vodka brand Absolut and other brands such as Malibu and Kahlúa.

Duffy succeeds Philippe Guettat, who has been appointed to another position within Pernod Ricard.

Previously Duffy was CEO of Pernod Ricard USA, CEO for Irish Distillers and CEO for Pernod Ricard UK. Duffy is Irish and started his career at KPMG in Dublin.

“With my experience from the US, which is the biggest market for Absolut, Malibu and Kahlúa, I hope that I will be able to contribute to the further success of our brands there, as well as in the rest of the world. Together with our team, I want to make sure that our global brand ideas are relevant to the local markets,” Said Duffy.

Duffy replaces Philippe Guettat, who will be moving to a new position as CEO for Martell Mumm Perrier-Jouët within Pernod Ricard.

“Absolut has great possibilities for continued growth. Despite a challenging economic environment, we have managed to beat previous sales and this year sold 100 million litres of Absolut,” says Duffy.

The Absolut Company is headquartered in Liljeholmen, Stockholm. Absolut is the world's fourth largest international premium spirits brand in the world, says Pernod Ricard. In 2011/2012, it sold 100 million litres of Absolut.