Head Of Pernod Ricard To Head Scotch Whisky Association

By Richard Thomas

Pierre Pringuet, CEO of the French drinks giant Pernod Ricard, was named the new head of the primary trade association of the Scotch whisky industry, the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA). Pernod Ricard owns Ballentine’s, Chivas Regal and the world’s second-ranked single malt, The Glenlivet, as well as Irish Distillers, producers of Jameson, Powers and Redbreast.

Pringuet has sat on the SWA’s ruling council for eight years and served as vice chair for the last three. Upon the announcement of his elevation, Pringuet named seeking a 2% cut in the British excise duty on Scotch as his first priority. He replaces Edrington CEO Ian Curle, chief of the company that owns The Famous Grouse, Cutty Sark and The Macallan.