New boss for Pernod Ricard UK

On the same day that Diageo announced a new boss for its GB business, rival Pernod Ricard UK has appointed a new managing director for its UK business.

David de Mardt will replace Jean-Manuel Spriet as managing director of Pernod Ricard UK on September 1, the same day that Andrew Cowan assumes his role as country director for Diageo GB, a move which sees Simon Litherland, current GB managing director, leave the company.

De Mardt is currently managing director of Pernod Ricard South Africa.

Among a raft of changes in the Pernod Ricard hierarchy, Irish Distillers chief executive Alexandre Ricard is moving to become managing director of the distribution network.

He will be replaced by Anna Malmhake, who is currently marketing director for Absolut.