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New challenge: Kevin Baker has had 30 years of industry experience, including roles with Brown-Forman and Diageo |
FRANCE. Marie Brizard Wines & Spirits has appointed Kevin Baker as its new Global Travel Retail Director.
A highly respected industry figure, Baker brings more than 30 years of experience to the role, and is perhaps best known for his global and regional sales and marketing roles with premium spirits brand companies Brown-Forman and Diageo.
He will be tasked with developing and establishing a travel retail business for Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits “by creating and implementing a channel strategy aligned to the company’s new “˜BIG 2018′ strategy (Back In the Game)”. He will also manage the Middle East region.
Baker most recently served as Global Head of Liquor and Head of Category Europe for Liquor, Tobacco & Technology for The Nuance Group, based in Zürich. This followed a directorship with distributor World of Patria International where he was responsible for the development and distribution of the company’s premium brands.
Marie Brizard was previously known as the Belvedere Group but undertook a restructuring of its business during 2014.
Baker said: “Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits is embarking on an exciting new strategy for travel retail with a strong portfolio of both established and innovative new brands including Cognac Gautier, Sobieski Estate Vodka, Marie Brizard Liqueurs, and the recently launched SHOTKA, amongst others.
“Joining Marie Brizard in this very exciting period for the group is a tremendous opportunity for me to exercise all the skills I have gained over the last 30 years – many of which have been in travel retail. I am very much looking forward to taking on the challenge and catching up with old friends, colleagues and sparring partners in Cannes next month.”
