Young has worked for the company for more than 10 years, having previously served as the drinks firm’s senior director for on-trade growth in Western Europe. Prior to his time with Bacardi, he held a number of senior roles across the likes of Starbucks, The Heineken Company and Interbrew.
Commenting on his appointment, Young said: “My experience of working across Europe means I know better than ever what a tough and competitive market we have in the UK.
Long-term partnerships
“Where Bacardi has an advantage is our family ownership. It’s allowed us to look beyond the next quarter or the next fiscal year and instead develop long-term partnerships with key customers. We value these relationships more than ever and I’m committed to making them even stronger as we grow our businesses together.”
Young will be responsible for the family-owned company’s commercial operations in the UK & Ireland. He will report directly to Almond, who had previously held the role of MD for Bacardi in the UK & Ireland until 2020.
Almond has spent the past four years as MD of Bacardi in Iberia & Greece, playing a major role in growing the company’s share of the market in Spain.
A changing industry
“In the four years I’ve been away from the UK, the industry has changed more than anyone could imagine,” said Almond. “What’s not changed is the value of our portfolio. We have premium brands that consumers recognize for their quality and continue to demand however challenging the economic climate.
“And the premiumization trend is not slowing down which is only good news for our portfolio especially when drinks like the Patrón Margarita and the St-Germain Spritz are still at the beginning of what will be a long and successful future.”
Meanwhile, pasty manufacturer Ginsters has announced the appointment of Langmead Herbs CEO Stephanie Hildon as its new managing director.
