The French drinks group, Pernod Ricard, has announced a raft of high-level executive changes in various areas of the company to take place over coming months.

The company said Georges Nectoux, 60, currently chairman and CEO of the group's Scotch whisky operation, Chivas Brothers, is to retire on 31 December 2003 after 33 years with the company. He is to be succeeded as chairman of Chivas Brothers by Christian Porta, with effect from 1 January 2004.

With effect from 1 November 2003, Laurent Lacassagne, currently Pernod Ricard's chief financial officer, is to take over as chairman of Pernod Ricard Australia and CEO of Orlando Wyndham. Emmanuel Babeau is to succeed Lacassagne as the group's chief financial officer from 1 June 2003.