Pernod Ricard(R) USA Names Marty Crane to Top Spirits Sales Post

PURCHASE, NY–(Marketwire – October 5, 2010) –  Pernod Ricard USA, the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., announces the promotion of Marty Crane — who previously served as PRUSA General Manager – East Division — to Senior Vice President, Spirits Sales. Crane replaces Jim Evans, who is leaving Pernod Ricard USA to join another company.

“I am very confident that Marty’s leadership will further accelerate the growing momentum behind our business,” said Paul Duffy, President and CEO, Pernod Ricard USA. “Marty’s extensive experience, expertise in distributor management and proven ability to consistently generate strong results will serve him well as he assumes national responsibility for our industry-leading Route to Market team.”

After holding a series of progressively responsible sales and marketing roles at several consumer product companies, Marty began his beverage alcohol career in 1998 at Seagram, where he helped to shape a strategic approach to category management. As part of the 2001 Seagram acquisition, Marty moved to Pernod Ricard USA as Divisional Vice President, National Accounts. He subsequently was named Division Vice President, East Sales Region.

In his new role, Marty will collaborate with customers across the three-tier system to build Pernod Ricard USA’s business and drive the distribution and sales of the company’s premium portfolio, which includes such leading brands as Absolut® Vodka, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Malibu® Rum, Chivas Regal®, The Glenlivet®, Kahlua® and Seagram’s® Gin.

Reporting to Marty will be the Pernod Ricard USA Spirits Division General Managers: Shawn Higgins, GM – West; Howard Jeffery, GM – Continental; John Trainer, GM – Control States; and a yet-to-be-named GM – East; as well as Scott Moore, Vice President – National Accounts Off-Premise; Terry Boyer, Director – National Accounts, On-Premise; and Peter Szemenyei, Senior Vice President, Commercial Planning and Analysis.

Marty will become a member of the Pernod Ricard USA Executive Committee, reporting to Paul Duffy. He will be based at the company’s U.S. headquarters in Purchase, N.Y.

ABOUT PERNOD RICARD
Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA. In July 2008, Pernod Ricard completed the acquisition of the iconic ABSOLUT® Vodka brand from the V&S Group.

In addition to ABSOLUT®, Pernod Ricard USA’s leading brands include such prestigious spirits as The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin®, Beefeater® Gin, Plymouth™ Gin, Martell® Cognac, Malibu®, Kahlúa® Liqueur, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs, Pernod® and Ricard®; such superior wines as Jacob’s Creek® and Brancott Estate®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier Jouët® Champagne, G.H. Mumm™ Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines. 

The company is based in Purchase, New York, and has roughly 1,000 employees across the country. 

Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active campaign to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: www.acceptresponsibility.org.