Pernod Ricard USA Announces Spirits Sales Reorganization

    5 Division Profit Centers, Including New Control States Division, Complement Strategic Distributor Alignment

    PURCHASE, N.Y., April 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Further to January's announcement of a strategic alignment with Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. (SWS) and Republic National Distributing Co. (RNDC) covering 35 markets, Pernod Ricard USA today announces a reorganization of its sales team effective July 1, 2009. The revamped organization includes 5 Division profit centers that complement the distributor alignment: 3 geographic divisions led by General Managers (Martin Crane, Eric Dopkins and Howard Jeffrey); a newly formed Control States Division (John Trainer, General Manager), and a National Accounts Division (Robert MacNevin, General Manager).

    "Our complementary alignment, experienced leadership team, and new ways of working will afford us the speed and power needed to succeed in this increasingly competitive marketplace," says Paul Duffy, Chairman and CEO, Pernod Ricard USA.

    Jim Evans, SVP Sales, Pernod Ricard USA, emphasized the importance of a new division for Control States, which account for more than 20% of PRUSA's business. "We are particularly pleased about the formation of a dedicated Control States Division to better serve our customers and consumers in these important markets," says Evans. "We have a strong relationship with NABCA and will continue to serve as industry leaders in working with them to build capabilities and tools to support Control States."

    The sales divisions will consist of 14 business units, plus experienced functional specialists in marketing, analytics and trade channel management. As a result of the reorganization, Pernod Ricard USA sales personnel will no longer work out of the Coral Springs, Florida office. Marty Durkin, current PRUSA Southeast Division Vice President, will be transitioning to Southern Wine & Spirits as its Vice President, Sales and Marketing - Pernod Ricard, effective July 1, 2009. Marty will report to Kevin Fennessey, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Southern Wine & Spirits of America.

    These changes mark the latest step in the strategic transformation of Pernod Ricard USA, following three industry changing acquisitions: Seagram brands in 2002, Allied Domecq in 2005, and V&S (Absolut) in 2008.

    About Pernod Ricard USA

    Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA. In July, 2008, Pernod Ricard completed the acquisition of the iconic ABSOLUT(R) Vodka brand from the V&S Group, and Pernod Ricard USA is now the second-leading company in the U.S. by sales value.

    In addition to ABSOLUT(R), Pernod Ricard USA's leading brands include such prestigious spirits as The Glenlivet(R) Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Chivas Regal(R) Scotch Whisky, Jameson(R) Irish Whiskey, Wild Turkey(R) Bourbon, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin(R), Beefeater(R) Gin, Plymouth(TM) Gin, Martell(R) Cognac, Malibu(R) flavored Rum, Kahlua(R) Liqueur, Hiram Walker(R) Liqueurs, Pernod(R) and Ricard(R); such superior wines as Jacob's Creek(R) and Brancott Estate(R); and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier-Jouet(R) Champagne, G.H. Mumm(TM) Champagne and Mumm Napa(R) sparkling wines.

    The company is based in Purchase, New York, and has roughly 1,000 employees across the country.

    Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active campaign to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: www.acceptresponsibility.org.

    CONTACT:
    Jack Shea
    VP, Corporate Communications
    Pernod Ricard USA
    914-848-4787