Changes at the top at PRUK

Pernod Ricard UK has made three significant changes to its senior management team.
Former commercial director Simon Thomas has been promoted to deputy managing director, sales and marketing, spirits, reporting directly to PRUK managing director Jean Manuel-Spriet.

Thomas retains direct responsibility for the on- and off-trade spirits’ and ‘ wholesale, cash & carry’ sales channels.
Nick Blair is vacating his position as international sales director, Pernod Ricard Pacific, to take on a newly formed role as wine director. His principle focus will be the multiple grocer, specialist convenience and on-trade sales channels. He, too, will report directly to Spriet.
Vlastimil Spelda is named marketing director spirits and Champagne. He has previously served as marketing category director for whiskies and vodkas, and marketing director for Pernod Ricard Czech Republic. He reports to Simon Thomas.

Ben Grant, 20/2/08