CANADA: Corby Distilleries appoints CFO

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 8 June 2009

Corby Distilleries, the Canada-based drinks group more than 50%-controlled by Pernod Ricard, has announced that Thierry Pourchet will be its new vice president and chief financial officer.

Pourchet, who is currently chief operating officer at Pernod subsidiary Malibu-Kahlúa International Brands, will take up his role at Corby on 1 August, the firm announced late last week.

He will replace present CFO and COO John Nicodemo, who will leave Corby at the end of June to become COO of Pernod Ricard Korea.

At Corby, Pourchet will again link up with current chairman and CEO of Malibu-Kahlúa International Patrick O'Driscoll, who is to replace Corby CEO Con Constandis. Corby announced earlier this year that Constandis would move to become MD of Pernod Ricard China.

As of 1 July, Pernod intends to make Malibu-Kahlúa International part of the Absolut Company. The move follows Pernod's acquisition of Sweden's Vin & Sprit, owner of Absolut Vodka, last year.

In addition to the distribution agreement to represent Pernod's brands in Canada, Corby also owns Wiser's Canadian whiskies, Lamb's rum, Polar Ice vodka and Seagram Coolers.

Corby said last month that net profits fell to C$5.1m (US$4.3m) for the three months to the end of March, its fiscal third quarter, compared to C$5.9m for the same period in 2008.

Sectors: Spirits, Wine

Companies: Pernod, Corby Distilleries, Ricard, Absolut