Pernod Ricard has replaced its China leadership with two senior executives on temporary assignments, as the French spirits group grapples with a sharp downturn in the market.
Both appointments are internal secondments with a fixed 15-month term, according to industry reports.
Jérôme Cottin-Bizonne stepped down as China CEO on April 1 after about five years in the role. He is being succeeded by Julien Hémard, former CEO of the Nordics, while Tracey Kwan, previously president and CEO of Japan, has been appointed deputy CEO of China, According to industry outlet Global Drinks Intel.
The company has not publicly announced the changes. Vino Joy News contacted Hémard for comment but had not received a response at the time of publication.
Hémard has led Pernod Ricard’s Nordic business since 2023, a region known for its stable and profit-driven performance. His career with the group spans Asia, the United Kingdom and the United States across marketing, sales and general management roles.
Kwan, who was born in Hong Kong and graduated from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, began her career at Procter & Gamble before joining Pernod Ricard in 2017. She most recently led the company’s Japan business.
The reshuffle comes as Pernod Ricard faces mounting pressure in China. The group reported net sales of €5.253 billion in the first half of fiscal 2026, down 5.9% organically year-on-year, while recurring operating profit fell 7.5% to €1.614 billion. China was a key drag, with net sales declining 28%, one of the steepest drops in recent years.
The downturn has weighed on Martell, the group’s flagship cognac brand, which has long relied on China as a core market. Martell’s net sales fell 17% organically in the first half, though the brand recorded around 20% growth outside China.
Stabilising Martell’s performance in China and expanding other spirits categories will be critical priorities for the new leadership team.
The management changes come as Pernod Ricard is also engaged in early discussions over a potential “merger of equals” with Brown-Forman, owner of Jack Daniels and Diplomatico gin. The companies said the talks aim to combine brand portfolios and global distribution networks, potentially creating a larger group with brands including Absolut, Chivas Regal and Jack Daniel’s to better compete with industry leader Diageo.
Both companies said no agreement has been reached and that the outcome remains uncertain.
Discover more from Vino Joy News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
