New UK bosses for Diageo and Pernod Ricard

Drinks giants Diageo and Pernod Ricard have both appointed new UK bosses.

Andrew Cowan, currently commercial director of Diageo Ireland, will take over the role of country director for Diageo GB on September 1.

In a shake-up at Pernod Ricard, current managing director of the group’s UK operation Jean-Manuel Spriet, will move to head up the business’s Korean arm, while David de Mardt, currently leading the group’s South Africa business, will take over in the UK on August 1.

Diageo’s Cowan will lead the British business and encourage a “customer-centric focus”, as well as engaging with the government, media, trade and consumer stakeholders. Cowan will take over from Simon Litherland, who started in the role in July 2009.

David Smith, currently sales director for Diageo GB, will head up the group’s Irish operation.