Former Rémy Cointreau VP named CEO of Zamora’s US venture

A former Rémy Cointreau VP has been hired to head up wine and spirits company Zamora’s new US business venture.

William Corbett joins Zamora’s USA venture after serving a seven-year stint at Remy Cointreau.

William Corbett, who joins the new venture after working for Remy Cointrau for seven years, will “lead the direction and culture of the Zamora Company USA group’s brands in the premium and super premium categories,” according to an emailed statement.

Earlier this year Zamora struck a partnership with vodka-maker Old Nassau Imports to form a new sales and marketing venture in the US — Zamora Company USA — which will “bring together their collection of unique luxury brands.”

The new business will focus on both companies’ spirits brands, managing sales, distribution, execution and marketing of Zamora’s Licor43 and Old Nassau’s Double Cross Vodka, but a statement from Zamora said that Yellow Rose Whiskey, Martin Miller’s Gin, and Lolea Sangria will be brought into the portfolio “in the near future.”

“Bill’s expansive knowledge and depth of experience in the spirits industry across the United States ensures discovering the most credible go-to-market plan for our super – premium portfolio,” said Thomas Clamens, Zamora USA’s chairman. “The priority will be to consolidate our unique, globally recognised brands into one committed & passionate network.”

“It’s an exciting time for global sprits players,” according to Corbett, “and a critical time to be in control of your own destiny. Entering the world’s largest market for luxury spirit brands requires significant investment, which the Zamora family has committed to in the US.

“For a great global brand like Licor 43, 30% of its business should be based in the USA. To date, only 10% of its business is in the USA. This is an enormous growth opportunity for Zamora Company USA.”