Pernod Ricard announced new leadership today for its North America business.
Conor McQuaid will take the helm as CEO of Pernod Ricard North America at the start of the new year. McQuaid, a 25-year veteran of the company, will succeed Ann Mukherjee, who has stepped down to focus her time and energy on her family’s well-being, according to a statement.
McQuaid had served as executive vice president of sustainability and responsibility for communications and public affairs since July 2022. He is also a member of Pernod Ricard’s executive committee. He previously served as chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers (Jameson) and executive vice president of global business development.
“The U.S. continues to be our No. 1 market, and Conor brings a unique skill set from his 25 years at Pernod Ricard that is perfectly suited to continue our transformation in such a dynamic market,” said Alexandre Ricard, chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard, in a statement. “His leadership and the instrumental role he played in the success of Jameson, particularly in the U.S., underscore his ability to further advance Pernod Ricard’s ambitions in North America.”
Like other major spirit groups, the French spirits company has experienced a “normalizing” market following rapid growth during the pandemic, and reported a -2% decline in organic sales in the first quarter of FY 2024, with dips in the U.S. bringing down overall performance. Analysts have flagged the need for Pernod Ricard’s newest acquisitions and innovations to pick up the slack as its flagship brand Jameson faces a natural growth slowdown.
Mukherjee was the first woman and person of color to helm Pernod Ricard’s North American unit. After leaving her post as CMO of SC Johnson, Mukherjee led the global spirits company through innovations such as Jameson’s first flavored extension, a $22 million ready-to-drink canning line investment, RTD launches, and a streak of acquisitions.
The Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S., where Mukherjee served as vice chair of the board of directors, issued a statement thanking Mukherjee for her positive impact on the industry’s efforts to increase responsibility and eliminate drunk driving, in addition to other initiatives. The former CEO of four years has been vocal about her mother’s death at the hands of a drunken driver, and instituted a number of campaigns including federal legislation aimed at reducing intoxicated driving. She also launched an Absolut Vodka campaign targeting sexual consent.
“On behalf of DISCUS and its members, I want to thank Ann for her service and leadership as Vice Chair of the DISCUS Board of Directors where she provided important guidance on critical initiatives from making the industry more inclusive and diverse, advancing sustainability efforts, and modernizing the marketplace for spirits brands and consumers,” said DISCUS president and CEO Chris Swonger.