David Freeborn, the long serving and well respected Managing Director of Pernod Ricard Gulf, is set to leave the business at the end of September.
His departure follows recent announcements concerning the creation of a Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail business unit as well as the setting up of a Pernod Ricard South Asia management entity for the domestic businesses covering India, the Gulf and Sri Lanka. Gaurav Sabharwal, currently Managing Director of Pernod Ricard Singapore, will take over Freeborn’s role.
The Pernod Ricard Gulf Duty Free business will become part of the wider Pernod Ricard Travel Retail Europe, Middle East & Africa unit within the new Global Travel Retail division.
Freeborn’s tenure dates back to the opening of the Pernod Ricard Gulf business in 2002 following the acquisition of Seagram.
The business was established as a trading entity as opposed to a local representative office which allowed Pernod Ricard to trade directly with regional duty free retailers and airlines without having to work via local domestic distributors. At the time Freeborn said he was applying the group’s ‘Our Brands, Our People” strategy and approach to business.
Freeborn has contributed regularly and passionately to industry events, notably the MEADFA Conference, and has been a strong advocate of innovation in all areas of the business. He helped to deliver this with investment and activations around key brands Chivas Regal, Absolut and The Glenlivet in travel retail.
Although specific financial numbers for the Pernod Ricard Gulf Duty Free business are unavailable, it is understood that based on market growth, acquisition and share gain the company has performed particularly well during his time in charge.
There is no news at present regarding Freeborn’s future plans.
