News

Zamora appoints new CEO to lead growth

17 February 2022 By Arabella Mileham

Spanish family-owned drinks group Zamora – which owns Licor 43, Martin Miller’s Gin and Ramón Bilbao Rioja – has announced a new CEO to lead the next phase of its global expansion.

Javier Pijoan has more than 25 years experience in the drinks and distribution industry, having worked for Heineken, Bacardi Limited, the Carrefour Group and Ingenería Idom Internacional. He will take over as the new CEO from Emilio Restoy, who is joining the board of directors.

Pijoan also has an MBA from IE Business School, and has studied at Harvard Business School’s Global Talent Executive Leadership and Executive Education Programmes.

The appointment comes as the company prepares to expand its global footprint.

Chairman José María de Santiago explains: “We’re ready for our next step, and this is going to focus on growing our international and digital presence, things we initiated a couple of years ago. We are taking a commitment to professional executive management, while the family will continue to look after the interests of the group from the Board of Directors – just as it has done throughout our 75-year history,” he said.

Pijoan said he was proud to assume leadership of an international benchmark company in the premium wines and spirits sector, saying he was grateful for the confidence of the family owners. “I take on the challenge with the aim of adding even more successes to the legacy they have achieved over three quarters of a century of work,” he said. “I am convinced we will achieve our goals thanks to the fantastic team of professionals that the group has around the world, so that our consumers continue to enjoy every moment with our brands.”

In 2020 the company turned over more than 172 million Euros, operating in 80 counties with its portfolio of 12 owned brands, which includes Licor 43, Martin Miller’s Gin, Limoncello Villa Massa, and Ramón Bilbao Rioja, and distributed brands including Tequila Buen Amigo, Matusalem and Champagne Pommery, among others. Currently, its domestic and export business is split 50/50% focused on export, and 50% of the domestic market.