US: Absolut Spirits Co. welcomes new CEO

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 19 July 2006

The Absolut Spirits Co., the US arm of Swedish spirits giant V&S Group, has appointed a new CEO.

The New York-based subsidiary confirmed yesterday (18 July) that Kevin Fennessey would replace Carl Horton from 1 August. Horton is set to retire at the end of this year.

Fennessey joins Absolut from Pernod Ricard, where he was senior vice president of marketing. Prior to his five years at Pernod, Fennessey held several positions at Seagram.

During his 22 years at Seagram, Fennessey once served as vice president, category director of the Scotch and Cognac divisions, where he was a peer of Horton.

Fennessey will be charged with developing the Absolut portfolio, continuing to focus on brand growth and propelling the expansion of Level vodka, Plymouth Gin, FRIS vodka and rum brand Cruzan.

Sectors: Spirits

Companies: Absolut, Pernod, Ricard