FRANCE – French drinks group Rémy Cointreau has named Lee James as the new managing director for its UK, Ireland, and Nordic markets.
In his new role, James will oversee the company’s portfolio across these regions, which includes prestigious brands such as Rémy Martin, Cointreau, Mount Gay, Bruichladdich, and The Botanist Gin.
Before joining Rémy Cointreau, James had an extensive career at Pernod Ricard, where he held various senior sales and marketing positions over nearly two decades.
From 2009 to 2012, he served as the UK commercial director for wine and champagne and later took on EMEA and global export and business development roles in London and Sydney, focusing on the wine side of the business.
For the past five years, James worked in London as global commercial director, managing the export and development of the premium gin portfolio.
Rémy Cointreau highlighted James’s vast experience within the UK and global drinks industry, particularly in the premium and luxury brand sectors, as key to his appointment.
The group, which also owns Louis XIII Cognac and Champagne Telmont, believes James will be instrumental in further expanding their footprint in these key markets.
Ian McLernon, CEO of EMEA, Asia Pacific, and Global Travel Retail at Rémy Cointreau, expressed confidence in James’s leadership: “We are delighted to welcome Lee to the Rémy Cointreau Group. His significant global experience and people-centric leadership style will help elevate our business to the next level.”
James’s appointment comes as the UK ranks as the third-largest premium spirits market worldwide.
With Rémy Cointreau’s portfolio of premium brands, the company aims to continue outpacing market growth and generating value for its retail and distribution partners.
The announcement follows a challenging period for Rémy Cointreau, as the group reported a 15.6 percent drop in sales during its first quarter, largely driven by declines in Rémy Martin Cognac and Cointreau liqueur sales.
The Cognac division’s sales were 17 percent lower than in the first quarter of 2019, prior to the onset of the Covid pandemic. Cognac and Cointreau account for about 70 percent of the company’s sales.
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