New CFO appointed for Bacardi

Unilever exec Tony Latham is set to join Bacardi as the new chief financial officer and executive vice-president from next month.

(Photo: Bacardi)

Latham, who was announced last month, spend eight years at Unilever, most recently as executive vice president finance – group performance management, with responsibility for leading operational finance across the company’s three divisions and eight regions, having previously worked for Danone. He also has extensive experience working in the emerging markets of Asia, having been based in Shanghai, Bankok, Indonesia as well as his native Australia.

As part of his new role, Latham will oversee revenue growth management, global business services and information technology at Bacardi, in addition to his financial activities.

Bacardi CEO Mahesh Madhavan said it had been important to ensure that the team recruited a purpose driven leader with an impeccable business background for the role, as well as someone who appreciated the culture of the company.

“In Tony we have found these qualities and more,” he said.

Lathan said it was “an honour” to join a company with “a strong culture, enduring values, iconic brands and incredible business opportunities to bring more people together for exceptional drinks experiences”.

Bacardi is currently looking for a new chief marketing officer for Grey Goose and Patrón, after announcing this week that Lee Applbaum is to step down at the end of August.  It also confirmed it was ending its UK distribution deal with spirits giant Brown-Forman after a 17-year partnership.