Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail GTR) has appointed Liya Zhang as Vice President of Marketing effective today, 1 June. She replaces Craig Johnson, who is taking up a role as Vice President of Brand Management, Pernod Ricard USA, based in New York.
Zhang was formerly Vice President, E-commerce and Retail, Pernod Ricard China. In her new role, she reports to Pernod Ricard GTR CEO Mohit Lal and will be based in the Group’s London headquarters as of 2022. Zhang will also become a member of the Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail Management Committee.
The new Vice President of Marketing started her career with Pernod Ricard China in 2000, working through various sales and marketing roles before relocating to France as Brand Manager for Martell & Co and onwards to Pernod Ricard Singapore as Marketing Manager and in turn Marketing Director.
Since her return to Pernod Ricard China in 2010, Zhang has held roles as Brand Director Martell and Champagnes, Group Brand Director for Cognac & White Spirits, and Group Brand Director Premium Portfolio, before assuming her current role in 2020.
Zhang said: “Taking on the role of Vice President of Marketing for Pernod Ricard GTR is a tremendously exciting prospect. With the company at the forefront of global travel retail, helping to grow its marketing capability and cement Pernod Ricard as a thought leader across the channel is a fantastic opportunity, and one I will be grabbing with both hands.”
The company said: “Continuing to push category boundaries of what can be achieved within the channel and connecting with travellers across the globe and at different stages of the travel trail remains a core focus for future activity, further cementing Pernod Ricard GTR as an innovative thought-leader within the category.
Johnson commented: “I am immensely happy for Liya. She is the right person to take the marketing division to the next level – her insights and experience will be invaluable. I wish her all the best and look forward to seeing the company continue to thrive within the channel.”
