González Byass has named Enrique Murillo, its international business director, as the wine-and-spirits group’s new general manager.
Murillo, who has worked for the Tio Pepe brand owner for 15 years, succeeds César Sánchez Moral, who led the Spain-based business for three years. His appointment takes effect on 15 November.
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González Byass, also home to Rioja wine brand Beronia and The London Nº 1 gin, said Sánchez Moral was stepping down following the completion of a “strategic plan” the company launched in 2023.
Mauricio González-Gordon, the chairman of González Byass, said Murillo’s “deep knowledge of the company, his experience and his strong alignment with our values make Enrique the right person to lead this new chapter”.
Murillo joined family-owned González Byass in 2011 as finance director. In 2017, he was appointed CEO of the company’s Pedro Domecq Mexico business unit.
Four years later, Murillo was named deputy general manager of the company, taking responsibility for overseeing a two-year strategic plan up to the end of 2023.
He was subsequently appointed general manager of González Byass’ joint venture with Grupo Emperador. In January 2023, Murillo became general manager of the group’s business in the Americas Division and, in July last year, was appointed international business director.
In October last year, González Byass indicated jobs at its domestic business were at risk amid plans to “adapt” the organisation’s make-up “to the current market reality and to ensure its long-term competitiveness”.
Media reports in Spain suggested around 30 roles were to be affected. Just Drinks has asked the company to confirm the number of roles at the business that were cut.
In May, reports in Spain said González Byass was in talks with banks over a review of its debts.
In July, the company moved its main holding entity from Luxembourg back to Spain. At the time, González Byass said it was making “progress with the transformation process launched two years ago to adapt the company to the evolving market environment”.
It added: “This plan includes a range of initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency, strengthening profitability and adapting the group’s financial structure to current market conditions. The company continues to operate as normal and remains focused on executing this long-term roadmap.”
