just the Ten - Top Interviews of 2011

With the end of the year looming, just-drinks is running a series of 'Top Tens of the Year' in the run-up to Christmas.

Here are the ten most read interviews on just-drinks in 2011.

10: Diageo Asia Pacific president, Gilbert Ghostine

In October, Olly Wehring spoke to Diageo's Asia Pacific president, Gilbert Ghostine, on the 'phone for an hour. During the conversation, they considered the Cognac elephant in the room, the future for the company's domestic tie-ups in the region, and what the locals think of the UK-based multinational.

For part two of the interview, click here

9: Pernod Ricard CEO, Pierre Pringue

In February, Olly travelled to Paris, where he was granted 30 minutes with the CEO of Pernod Ricard, Pierre Pringuet. In their time together, Pringuet discussed the first six months of Pernod's fiscal 2011, as well as Absolut, China and war-chests.

8: Tata Global Beverages CEO, Peter Unsworth

In March, Michelle Russell met Peter Unsworth, chief executive of Tata Global Beverages.

7: William Grant & Sons CEO, Stella David

Our first major interview of 2011 was with the CEO of William Grant & Sons, Stella David.

6: Beam Global Spirits & Wines CEO, Matt Shattock

April saw Olly Wehring collar Matt Shattock, CEO of the soon-to-be stand-alone Beam Global Spirits & Wine.

5: Anheuser-Busch InBev CMO, Chris Burggraeve

The summer saw Anheuser-Busch InBev's CMO, Chris Burggraeve, visit the UK. Just before he headed back to the US, Olly Wehring joined him for coffee in the lounge of his hotel in London.

For part two of the interview, click here

4: Diageo CEO, Paul Walsh

In September, Diageo posted its full-year results. Deputy editor Chris Mercer took the opportunity to speak to company CEO Paul Walsh about the results and what happens next.

3: Nichols group finance director, Tim Croston
A month earlier, in August, Michelle Russell talked to Tim Croston, the group finance director at UK-based soft drinks producer, Nichols plc.

2: Carlsberg CEO, Jørgen Buhl Rasmussen

Half of this interview, which we ran in April, took place in person in Copenhagen; the other half was conducted on the 'phone from the terrace of an Italian vineyard following a meeting between Chris Mercer and approximately 50 wines. You're right, he's a great, big show off.

1: Heineken CEO, Jean-François van Boxmeer

Overlooking the River Thames in London, Olly Wehring spent over an hour in the company of Heineken's CEO, Jean-François van Boxmeer.

For part two of the interview, click here