Pernod Ricard Launches American Whiskey Company With Richard Black at Helm
Pernod Ricard is looking to grow its American whiskey portfolio by launching a separate U.S.-based global brand company. North American Distillers (NADL) will be led by Richard Black.
Black has been hired as CEO. He’s a veteran leader within the alcoholic beverage space, having spent 23 years working with whiskey and cognac companies including Pernod Ricard, Chivas Brothers, and Martell.
In the role, Black will oversee the company’s American whiskey portfolio and global marketing strategy and production across North America, including Jefferson’s distillery, which is under construction in Kentucky.
Pierre Joncourt, current SVP of operations for Pernod Ricard North America, will support the operations arm of the business, and Rabbit Hole Whiskey founder Kaveh Zamanian will guide the liquid strategy for the full North American whiskey portfolio in a new role.
This is a natural progression for the company, which initially established its American whiskey portfolio as an independent business unit within Pernod Ricard USA and has found success with similar structures for its Irish and Scotch whiskey businesses. The new format will focus on operational excellence, safety, quality, and sustainability.
"Our investments made in Jefferson's, Rabbit Hole, Smooth Ambler, Skrewball, and TX, underscore our ambitious commitment,” said Black. “My mission is to harness this potential and drive a singular focus on these brands and our operations, driving us towards our goals and creating a top-tier marketing and sustainable operations team on the back of our peoples' deep-rooted expertise."
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Pernod Ricard USA is the largest subsidiary of Paris-based Pernod Ricard SA and includes such brands as TX Whiskey, Skrewball Whiskey, Smooth Ambler Whiskey, and Rabbit Hole Whiskey.
