News Alert: Pernod Ricard Names Conor McQuaid As CEO, North America

Pernod Ricard will see a change in leadership at the top of its North America unit to start the new year, naming 25-year company veteran Conor McQuaid as CEO effective January 1. McQuaid will succeed Ann Mukherjee, who is stepping down “to focus her time and energy on her family’s well-being,” according to the company.

McQuaid most recently served as Executive Vice President Sustainability & Responsibility, Communications and Public Affairs and as a member of Pernod Ricard’s Executive Committee. He previously served as Chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers (Jameson) and Executive Vice President Global Business Development.

“The US continues to be our number one market, and Conor brings a unique skillset from his 25 years at Pernod Ricard that is perfectly suited to continue our transformation in such a dynamic market,” said Pernod Ricard chairman and CEO Alexandre Ricard. “He has a deep understanding of every aspect of our business and a proven record of execution. His leadership and the instrumental role he played in the success of Jameson, particularly in the US, underscore his ability to further advance Pernod Ricard’s ambitions in North America.”

Pernod Ricard saw global sales decline 2% organically to €3 billion ($3.2b) in its fiscal first quarter ended in September, as the company cited normalizing conditions and a tough comparison against the prior year as weighing down results.

In the U.S. market, sales fell 8%, due to the unfavorable comps with last year and inventory adjustments at the retail tier. Still, Pernod said it saw share gains from brands including Jameson, Código, Malibu, Kahlua, and The Glenlivet. According to Impact Databank, Pernod ranked seventh among all spirits marketers in the U.S. last year, with volume of 16.4 million nine-liter cases, up from 15.6 million cases in 2020.

The company is expecting a turnaround in the U.S. looking ahead—as consumer demand continues to normalize—noting its positive outlook on the market for the full fiscal year ending next June. Pernod also appointed company veteran Colin Kavanagh as its new chief marketing officer for North America in August.—Daniel Marsteller

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