AUSTRALIA. Bacardi Lion, the premium spirits joint venture by Bacardi Martini and Lion Nathan in Australia, has announced a number of senior appointments in an organisational shake-up.
Fernando Navarro has joined Bacardi Lion as Senior Brand Manager, and Suzie MacDermott replaces Trent Russell as Marketing Manager.
Trent Russell has started a new role as Marketing Director of Bacardi Martini, China. Based in Shanghai, Russell will oversee marketing activity for Bacardi Martini’s prestigious portfolio. Highlighted as a key strategic market for Bacardi Martini, China represents a significant growth opportunity, the company said in a statement. “With 1.3 billion consumers coming of age, China is an exciting and lucrative market for any international spirits house,” it added.
Navarro is responsible for Bacardi Lion’s mainstream brands, including Dewar’s whisky, Martini, Steinlager, Amarula Cream and the soon-to-be-launched Eristoff vodka. He joins Bacardi Lion with a strong background in the liquor and FMCG markets, including Stuart Alexander, Continental Spirits and Seagram (both in Australia and Venezuela). During this time, Fernando held various senior marketing roles. In addition to being responsible for Bacardi Lion’s mainstream brand portfolio, Fernando will also play a central role in development and acquisition of new brands, a key strategic objective for the distributor.
Bacardi Lion Managing Director Colin Rochester said of Navarro: “Fernando’s role in developing and acquiring new brands cements our commitment to portfolio growth and drive to become a serious player in the liquor industry.”
MacDermott, formerly Sales and Marketing Planning and Knowledge Manager, takes over as Marketing Manager and has been with Bacardi Lion since 2003.
MORE STORIES ON BACARDI LION
Bacardi Lion takes on Amarula Cream challenge – 18/04/06
Bacardi Lion boosts brand portfolio; distributes Eristoff Vodka in Australia – 13/06/06
