Wine Industry Report

Pernod Ricard USA has announced that Stephen Brauer, a 19-year veteran of the U.S. fine wine industry, has been appointed Vice President and General Manager, Pernod Ricard USA Wines, effective August 14, 2006. He will report to Alain Barbet, President/CEO Pernod Ricard USA.

Brauer will head the company’s Wines and Champagne Marketing Group and will also be responsible for the management of the Mumm Napa Estates organization. He will lead the development of the portfolio in the U.S. through regular interaction with Pernod Ricard USA distributors, brokers and the company’s dedicated wine salesforce, which will continue to be led by Ted Roman, SVP-Sales, Pernod Ricard USA.

Brauer joins Pernod Ricard from Beam Global Spirits and Wine, where he served as Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer for Beam Wine Estates. Previously, Brauer served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Peak Wines, which was integrated into Beam Wine Estates. Prior to joining Beam, Brauer held a series of progressively responsible positions during 16 years at Seagram Chateau & Estate Wines Company, culminating in a role as senior vice president of marketing. He was integrally involved in leading the merger of Seagram’s two U.S. wine companies, and in the successful repositioning of its champagne business, including Perrier Jouët and G.H. Mumm. He also helped to pioneer the American market for New Zealand Wines in 1996 with the successful launch of Brancott Vineyards. While at Seagram, Brauer played a key role in the growth of Mumm Napa Valley and directed all aspects of the award winning winery’s hospitality and direct marketing operations.

Brauer will be based in Purchase, N.Y., and will be a member of the Pernod Ricard USA Executive Committee.

Pernod Ricard enhanced its growing presence in the wine business with last year’s acquisition of several leading brands from the former Allied Domecq. Pernod Ricard USA’s wine portfolio now includes such premium brands as Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Sandeman and Wyndham Estate, in addition to Perrier Jouët and G.H. Mumm champagnes and Mumm Napa sparkling wine.