Pernod Ricard UK’s MD David Haworth to retire in August

Pernod Ricard UK will be saying farewell to its managing director David Haworth when he retires at the end of August, to be replaced by Julia Massies, currently chief financial officer of Pernod Ricard EMEA & LATAM.

Pernod Ricard UK has announced the forthcoming departure of its managing director David Haworth following a 34 year career with the company.

Haworth’s tenure with Pernod Ricard has spanned multiple markets and leadership roles, beginning at Irish Distillers and taking him to Germany, Greece and the Czech Republic.

His role as MD has also seen him play a pivotal role in the global development of The Gin Hub at Pernod Ricard UK.

“It has been a privilege to work with so many talented people over so many years and now is a good time to do something else. I’m confident in the long term resilience of the UK market and that the team will maintain market momentum for PRUK with the support of an exceptional group of colleagues,” said Haworth.

Julia Massies, currently chief financial officer of Pernod Ricard EMEA & LATAM, will succeed Haworth as managing director, Pernod Ricard UK from 1 September.

Having joined Pernod Ricard in 2001 as business development manager after five years of consulting experience in the UK, Brazil and France Massies has held various senior positions at the company including vice president, financial communication and investor relations, before being promoted to CFO in 2021.

“I am thrilled to be joining the UK team as managing director,” Massies said. “I have many fond memories from when I worked in the UK previously. I can’t wait to get to know all our colleagues in the business, our customers and our consumers. Together we will build on David’s legacy of winning in market while delivering our ambitious diversity and environmental roadmaps.”

Pernod Ricard UK has identified the following key priority brands in the UK market: vodka brands Absolut and Wyborowa; whiskies Jameson, Chivas, The Glenlivet and Ballantine’s; gin brands Beefeater, Plymouth Gin, Malfy, Monkey 47 and Ki No Bi, a small batch artisanal Japanese dry gin.

Among the wines the company plans to focus on this year are Campo Viejo, Brancott Estate and Jacob’s Creek, and for Champagne, Perrier-Jouët and G.H. Mumm.

Aperitifs Italicus and Lillet will be given the spotlight, as will rums Havana Club, Malibu and Lamb’s, as well as Martell brandy.

Olmeca Tequila represents Pernod Ricard UK’s agave spirits offering.