Vestbirk has been with the company since 2012

SPI's vodka arm Stoli Group has promoted Lars Vestbirk to the role of international marketing director, effective immediately.

He was previously global brand director, and the company said that he will continue to lead the development of Stolichnaya and Elit by Stolichnaya. Vestbirk replaces former CMO Marco Ferrari, who left SPI and Stoli Group in 2014 to become CEO of Italian herbal liqueur producer Montenegro.

Prior to joining SPI in 2012, Vestbirk held various marketing roles within the Belvedere Group.

He will report to CEO Rob Cullins. Cullins said: “Lars has done an outstanding job in leading the Stolichnaya brand platform over the past few years. I’m very pleased to recognise his efforts and contributions to the group, by having him lead our International markets’ brand strategies and marketing resources.”

Earlier this year, SPI launched a US wine division.