Stella David rejoins Bacardi

Stella David, the former CEO of William Grant & Sons, has rejoined Bacardi as a board member

The 53-year-old has been elected to serve on the company’s 16 member board.

Facundo L. Bacardi, great-great grandson of the company’s founder and a fifth generation Bacardi family member, said: “Stella brings further expertise in the management and marketing of global spirits brands to the Bacardi board. We are thrilled to have her back with us as her nearly 25 years of spirits industry experience with both Bacardi and William Grant will serve us well as we continue to grow and innovate.”

David, 53, was the chief executive officer of William Grant & Sons from 2009 until February 2016, with responsibility for the growth of the business, with a focus on building brands, global expansion into new markets, as well as acquisitions and innovations. Under her leadership, David oversaw the acquisition of Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey and Drambuie liqueur.

From 1994 to 2009, David worked for Bacardi. During her 15 years with Bacardi, she held a variety of key positions, including CEO of the UK, Irish, Dutch and African business; vice president global operations; managing director Asia Pacific; and global chief marketing officer. Under David’s leadership, the Bacardi company in the UK finished in the top 10 of The Sunday Times ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ five years in a row, earning her a life-time achievement award.

Elected in 2012, Georgia Garinois-Melenikiotou, executive vice president of corporate marketing at Estée Lauder Companies, is retiring from the board. “We are thankful to have had Georgia serve on our board, and are grateful for her many contributions and the positive impact she has made on the company,” said Bacardi.