New MD appointed to Rémy Cointreau for UK market

French family-run global drinks firm Rémy Cointreau has appointed a former Pernod Ricard director as the MD of the UK, Ireland and Nordic markets.

Lee James will oversee the portfolio across the markets, which includes brands such as Rémy Martin, Cointreau, Mount Gay, Bruichladdich and The Botanist Gin.

Prior to joining Rémy, James worked at Pernod Ricard for almost two decades. At the firm, he held a number of senior sales and marketing roles, including UK commercial director, wine & Champagne from 2009 to 2012, before moving into EMEA and global export and business development roles based in London and Sydney on the wine side of the business.

For the last 5 years, James has worked in London in the role of global commercial director across the premium and gin portfolio responsible for export and development of the gin portfolio around the world and the UK gin brand homes.

According to a statement from the firm, his experience within the UK and global drinks industry, especially within the premium and luxury brand sectors, were determined to be an asset to the group, which owns Louis XIII Cognac and whose portfolio now also includes Champagne Telmont.

Ian McLernon, CEO EMEA, Asia Pacific and GTR at Rémy Cointreau, said: “We are delighted to welcome Lee to the Rémy Cointreau Group, and are confident that his significant experience in the sector globally and in the UK and people centric leadership style will help build our business to the next level.

“UK is the number three premium spirits market worldwide and with our portfolio of exceptional spirits we believe we are well positioned to continue to grow ahead of the market and generate value for our retail and distribution partners”.

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